Deji WilliamsCricket fans are in for a treat as Pakistan and England face off in the second Test in Multan, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in this exciting series. Following England’s impressive win in the first Test, Pakistan is aiming for a comeback on home soil, while England hopes to continue their momentum and clinch the series.
Live Score and Key Moments
The match has been filled with thrilling moments, with both teams showcasing their strengths and battling hard on a challenging Multan pitch. England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has added an extra layer of excitement to the game, while Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, is determined to hold their ground.
Stay tuned for live score updates and key moments as the match unfolds:
Day 1 Highlights:
- England’s opening batsmen started strongly, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett building a solid foundation. However, Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, made early inroads, putting England under pressure.
- Joe Root and Ollie Pope steadied the ship for England, playing cautious but calculated innings to rebuild after early wickets.
- Pakistan’s spinners came into play later in the day, with Abrar Ahmed picking up crucial wickets, slowing down England’s scoring rate.
Day 2:
- England’s middle order, including captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Harry Brook, continued to pile on the runs, taking calculated risks to keep the scoreboard ticking.
- Pakistan’s bowling attack showed resilience, with Hasan Ali and Abrar Ahmed striking back to prevent England from running away with the game.
- The second session saw a shift in momentum as Pakistan’s batters began their response with a steady start, showing intent and resilience against England’s pace attack.
Key Players to Watch
- Babar Azam: The Pakistani skipper is a key figure in his team’s batting lineup. After a solid performance in the first Test, all eyes are on Babar to lead from the front and guide his team to a competitive total.
- Shaheen Afridi: Afridi’s ability to swing the ball and pick up crucial wickets has been a significant asset for Pakistan. His opening spells could prove decisive in breaking England’s batting partnerships.
- Ben Stokes: England’s captain has been at the heart of his team’s resurgence in Test cricket. His leadership, coupled with his all-round abilities, makes him a vital component of England’s strategy.
- Abrar Ahmed: The young spinner has impressed with his ability to extract turn and bounce from the Multan surface. He could be the difference-maker for Pakistan in this Test.
Tactical Battle
This Test has been a battle of contrasting strategies. England’s “Bazball” approach—an aggressive, attacking style of play—has been the hallmark of their recent success. Stokes and McCullum’s philosophy is centered on putting pressure on the opposition through positive, fast-paced cricket.
On the other hand, Pakistan has focused on playing patient cricket, using the conditions in Multan to their advantage with spin and reverse swing. The home side’s ability to exploit the slower pitch and their spinners’ impact will be crucial in countering England’s attacking game plan.
What to Expect
As the second Test progresses, expect twists and turns. The Multan pitch is known for assisting spinners as the match wears on, so both teams will need to navigate the conditions carefully. The ability to handle pressure, build partnerships, and execute plans will be key to success.
England will look to extend their advantage in the series, while Pakistan will be eager to level the score and push for a decider in the final Test. With both sides showcasing top talent and high-quality cricket, the match is set to provide fans with plenty of excitement.
Stay tuned for more live updates, video highlights, and post-match analysis as the action continues in Multan!
