Multan Test: National team failed in every field, worst defeat by England
In a disappointing display of cricket, Pakistan faced a heavy defeat against England in the Multan Test, losing by an innings and 47 runs. This match highlighted significant shortcomings in the national team's performance across all aspects of the game.
Match Overview
The Test was held at the International Cricket Stadium in Multan, where Pakistan began their second innings with 152 runs for 6 wickets down. Despite a commendable start, the team ultimately succumbed to England's bowling attack.
Pakistan's Second Innings
Pakistan's batting lineup faltered, managing to score only 220 runs in their second innings. Salman Ali Agha was the standout performer with a solid 63 runs, while Aamir Jamal contributed with an unbeaten 55 runs. Other notable scores included Saud Shakeel with 29 runs and Saeem Ayub with 25 runs. Unfortunately, the team lost six players for just 82 runs early on, further compounding their struggles.
Key Performances
The team faced criticism as captain Shan Masood scored only 11 runs, Mohammad Rizwan 10 runs, and Babar Azam fell for a mere 5 runs. Opener Abdullah Shafiq had a particularly tough outing, failing to score at all. Abrar Ahmed, who was suffering from fever, did not bat, further weakening the lineup.
England's Dominance
England showcased their batting prowess in the first innings, amassing a staggering 823 runs with 7 players out. Harry Brook’s remarkable triple century and Joe Root's impressive double century were key to their dominance. Pakistan, on the other hand, had previously scored 556 runs in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Shaan Masood, Abdullah Shafiq, and Salman Ali Agha.
Upcoming Matches
The second Test of the series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to start on Tuesday in Multan. With England leading the three-Test series 1-0, Pakistan will need to regroup and strategize to turn the tide in their favor.
Conclusion
The Multan Test served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Pakistan cricket team. With underwhelming performances across the board, they must quickly analyze their mistakes to bounce back in the upcoming matches.