Masood and Shafique centuries lead Pakistan’s cricketers to 328-4 on Day 1 of first test vs England

Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique shine with centuries as Pakistan dominates Day 1 against England in first test.

Captain Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique hit centuries as Pakistan dominated Day 1 of the first test against a new-look England pace attack on Monday (October 7, 2024).

Masood, who compiled his first test ton in four years, smashed 151 off 177 balls while Shafique made a fluent 102 to help the home team reach stumps on 328-4.

England took three wickets in the final session, after Masood and Shafique had shared a huge stand of 253 for the second wicket as the visitors toiled in the searing heat of Multan.

Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 35 and nightwatchman Naseem Shah yet to score at the close of play.

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, playing his first overseas test, claimed 2-70 while Jack Leach, returning after a spell out of the team, picked up 1-61 on a wicket which had a tinge of grass but gave little assistance to pace or spin.

Chris Woakes trapped Babar Azam lbw for 30 with the second new ball in the penultimate over of the day. Pakistan's former captain hasn’t scored a half-century in his last 17 innings.

Masood, who hit 13 fours and two sixes, and Shafique got on top of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who was wicket-less in his 18 overs and conceded 71 runs.