Pakistan found a moment of relief after several tough days in the ongoing Test series. On the second day of the second Test in Multan, the visitors made a strong start but faltered by the late afternoon. After losing five wickets on the first day, Pakistan resumed their innings at 259 runs but couldn’t build significantly on that total. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 366 by the English bowlers.
England, not allowing Pakistan to set a massive target, started their first innings with their trademark aggressive style, often dubbed “Bazball.” Ben Duckett’s brilliant century laid the foundation for England’s response. However, by the last session, under pressure from Sajid Khan’s spin, England lost four wickets for just 14 runs. At the end of the second day, England was 239 for 6, trailing Pakistan by 127 runs.
Pakistan, hopeful of a big score in the morning session, lost Mohammad Rizwan early. Rizwan, who had scored 41, fell to Brydon Carse after adding just 5 runs to the previous day’s total of 259. Salman Ali and Amir Jamal then formed a crucial seventh-wicket partnership for Pakistan.
Salman Ali, who had scored a century in the previous match, couldn’t replicate his form, departing after scoring 31 off Mathew Potts. Pakistan, at 302 for 7, was in danger of collapsing quickly, but late contributions from Noman Ali (32 runs) and Amir Jamal (37 runs) pushed their total to 366. Jack Leach was the star with the ball for England, taking 4 wickets.
In reply, England began their innings aggressively. However, Pakistani spinner Noman Ali claimed the first breakthrough, dismissing Zak Crawley for 73 in the 13th over. Ben Duckett, in form, took charge and paired up with Ollie Pope, but the latter was dismissed by off-spinner Sajid Khan after contributing 29 runs.
Duckett continued his fluent innings alongside Joe Root, racing to his fourth Test century off 120 balls. England also crossed the 200-run mark in the 40th over. However, the turning point came when Sajid Khan, back in the Test squad after a long absence, broke the 86-run partnership by dismissing Root. England, at 211 for 3, soon collapsed as they lost 4 wickets within 18 balls, sliding from 211 for 2 to 225 for 6.
Duckett, who top-scored with 114, was dismissed soon after Root’s departure. Captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook also fell cheaply, leaving Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse to stem the flow of wickets. By the close of play, England, with 239 for 6, still trails by 127 runs and will face a challenging task as they begin day three.
