Pakistan vs England: Masood, Shafique centuries headlines Pakistan dominance on Day 1

Shan Masood’s first century as Pakistan Test captain set a positive tone for the hosts as they began their series against England. Masood’s innings was complemented by Abdullah Shafique, who also found form, scoring his fifth Test century. Together, they faced England's inexperienced bowling attack with confidence, making the most of the high temperatures and tough conditions in Multan. The day started ominously for the touring side as Masood and Shafique built a nearly chanceless partnership that propelled Pakistan to 328 for 4 at the end of day's play in the Pakistan vs England 1st Test match. England appeared to be on the back foot, struggling to contain the aggressive batting display. However, Gus Atkinson managed to break through, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Shortly after, Jack Leach dismissed Masood for a brilliant 151, which was a significant achievement for the captain.

England vs Pakistan: Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafiuque smash excellent centuries

England's fortunes improved further when they claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam late in the day. Despite the strong start from the Pakistani batsmen, these late breakthroughs allowed England to reassess their position with a sense of satisfaction. As the series progresses, the dynamic nature of the match will surely keep fans engaged, especially with both teams looking to assert their dominance. Overall, it was a day of mixed emotions for England, balancing between frustration and newfound hope as they aim to regroup for the challenges ahead.

There was no denying that this was Pakistan's day. With no home Test wins since 2021 and five consecutive defeats—including a disappointing 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh—Pakistan found renewed energy through a monumental top-order partnership. In the calm conditions of Multan, England's bowling attack, led by the 35-year-old Chris Woakes and featuring debutant Brydon Carse among others who had never played in Pakistan, faced a challenging learning curve.

The highlight of the day was Pakistan’s second-wicket partnership, which amassed a remarkable 253 runs. England had arrived with expectations of lively pitches and vulnerabilities in the home batting lineup, but Masood’s commanding innings—the second-fastest Test century by a Pakistan captain—alongside Shafique’s resilient performance, effectively shut down England's hopes after they had dismissed Saim Ayub cheaply in the fourth over.

That wicket turned out to be England's only success for over two sessions, as Ollie Pope, standing in for the injured Ben Stokes, rotated through six bowlers while temperatures soared into the high 30s Celsius. Masood had a moment of fortune when he overturned an lbw decision against Carse, who hit speeds of 90 mph during his opening spell but struggled to maintain that pace in the heat. A cut shot off Carse just fell short of Ollie Pope at point when Masood had reached 134, showcasing a day dominated by Pakistan’s crisp strokeplay and unwavering determination.

Masood's first boundary came from an edge off Brydon Carse, but he quickly accelerated when Shoaib Bashir entered the attack. Pakistan seemed intent on applying pressure to England's designated No. 1 spinner. After being struck on the pad by a delivery that didn’t turn, Masood responded vigorously, smashing four boundaries off Bashir's next eight balls. His most impressive shot was a confident skip down the track to launch one through cover, racing to a 43-ball half-century during the morning session.

Post-lunch, Ollie Pope employed a short-ball strategy, and Masood had a stroke of luck when he top-edged a delivery from Gus Atkinson for six over fine leg. A lofted shot off Jack Leach brought him into the 90s, and he then drilled a returning Chris Woakes through cover point. Masood capped off his impressive innings by nudging his 102nd ball for a single, marking his first Test century in four years and 27 innings, dating back to Pakistan's 2020 tour of England. Abdullah Shafique, seeking form after a series of low scores, started cautiously, facing some challenges from Woakes. The closest England came to breaking their stand was when Pope missed a run-out chance during the morning session.

Following Masood's lead, Abdullah Shafique targeted Shoaib Bashir as lunch approached, quickly doubling his boundaries with a flurry of 4-4-6, the last of which brought him to a half-century off 77 balls. Although he was less fluent than Masood, the pair remained largely untroubled, with their partnership surpassing 200 deep into the afternoon. Ollie Pope, England's captain, faced challenges managing his team, as his unsuccessful review for a catch at slip off Masood marked his DRS record at 11-0.

After tea, the heat became a significant factor, with both batters visibly suffering from cramp. Just as Pope's captaincy was being tested again, two wickets fell in quick succession. Shafique, on 94 at the break, reached his hundred with another straight six but could only add a couple more runs before falling. Carse narrowly missed his first Test wicket when a gloved pull just eluded leg slip. England switched tactics, employing a ring field while Atkinson bowled tightly. Shafique's tired drive soon led to his dismissal, popping up a catch to cover. Meanwhile, Jack Leach, who brought some control with three consecutive maidens, claimed Masood’s wicket when the captain misjudged a delivery, securing Leach’s first Test wicket since the India tour in January.

Saud Shakeel showcased his skills with a series of sweeps and reverse sweeps, hitting three boundaries off Jack Leach in one over as he and Babar Azam built a measured partnership of 61 runs. However, England gained a crucial lift when Chris Woakes, playing his first overseas Test since March 2022, dismissed Babar. Woakes beat Babar’s inside edge with the second new ball, winning an lbw decision that stood after a review. This dismissal extended Babar's run without a Test fifty, a streak dating back to December 2022, and could serve as a vital confidence boost for Woakes, who aims to justify England's faith in him despite an away average exceeding 50.

While England’s early success in removing Saim Ayub raised hopes, Masood’s decision to bat first—an option Pope agreed with—was soon vindicated despite some greenish tinge to the pitch. There was minimal movement for Woakes and Brydon Carse, making Ayub's glove to a short ball particularly surprising. This dismissal marked the seventh consecutive time Ayub and Abdullah Shafique failed to reach double figures as an opening pair. Carse, having impressed during England's home summer, claimed a wicket with his 10th ball of the tour, but both he and his teammates had to wait 56 overs for their next breakthrough.