On Day 2 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan resumed their second Test innings against England, bolstered by Kamran Ghulam’s sensational debut century. Ghulam’s resilient 118 on his Test debut played a pivotal role in helping Pakistan reach a solid 259-5 on Day 1.
Replacing Babar Azam at number four, the 29-year-old Ghulam faced England’s challenging bowling attack with poise. After Pakistan’s early struggles at 19-2, Ghulam formed crucial partnerships, including a 149-run stand with Saim Ayub, who contributed a career-best 77, and a 65-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan.
Ghulam reached his century in style, hitting a boundary off spinner Joe Root, becoming the 12th Pakistani to score a century on debut.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ghulam expressed his joy, saying, "It is delightful to score a hundred and that too as a replacement for Babar Azam, who has been a great player for Pakistan."
"I saw that with a bated breath, but Almighty was so kind to me," said Ghulam.
Despite a strong showing, Ghulam’s innings ended just before stumps when he was bowled by Shoaib Bashir after a 323-minute knock.
As Day 2 began, Rizwan remained unbeaten at 37, with Salman Agha on five. England's bowlers, led by Jack Leach (2-92), struggled on a pitch that offered little assistance to spinners after early promise. Ben Stokes, returning from injury, bowled five overs without showing signs of discomfort.
Leach had earlier dismissed Abdullah Shafique for seven and Shan Masood for three, leaving Pakistan in trouble before Ghulam’s defiance.
With England leading the series 1-0, Pakistan's hopes rest on building a significant first-innings total, while England will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and continue their momentum.
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