Pakistan were off to a terrific start against England on day one of the first Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on Monday.
Opting to bat first, the home side had once again lost an early wicket, when opener Saim Ayub once again faced shortcomings, when Atkinson deceived him with brilliant delivery. Ayub could only score 10-ball 4.
The onus was heavily relying on the skipper Shan Masood to overcome the early pressure. He did exactly what was needed and was ably supported by Abdullah Shafique to put England’s bowlers to the test.
The pair stitched a 238-run partnership to leave the visitors in frustration before Atkinson gave England another breakthrough by removing Shafique, who just compiled his century.
Shafique clobbered 10 boundaries and two sixes in his 102-run innings.
Masood, who scored a 151-run, started to feel tired and was caught and ball by Jack Leach.
Subsequently, Babar came to the crease after just resigning from the white-ball captaincy.
He looked good and showed some resistance before he was trapped LBW by seasoned English bowler Chris Woakes on 71-ball 35, when the day was about to end. Azam smashed five boundaries.
Naseem Shah joined Saud Shakeel (35) as the night watchman.
The pair will start the proceedings for Pakistan on the second day.
For England, Gus Atkinson (2-70) bagged two wickets.
Chris Woakes (1-58) and Jack Leach (1-61) took a scalp each.
