Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam Shines on Debut as Hosts Reach 259/5 at Stumps on Day 1 Against England

Pakistan finished the day at 259/5 after opting to bat first, with Kamran Ghulam shining with a debut century./ Getty

Pakistan finished Day 1 of the second Test on 259/5 after opting to bat first, with debutant Kamran Ghulam stealing the spotlight with a brilliant century under pressure. 

The hosts, who suffered a crushing innings defeat in the previous match, made a strong comeback thanks to a pivotal third-wicket stand between Ghulam and Saim Ayub.

Jack Leach made early breakthroughs for England, removing Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood cheaply / Getty

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble at 19/2. England’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach wreaked havoc in his first spell, removing both Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood cheaply within the first six overs.

Ghulam and Saim Ayub's partnership of 149 rescued Pakistan from a shaky start at 19/2. / Getty

Kamran Ghulam, making his debut in place of former captain Babar Azam, walked in at No. 4 with the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He was joined by Saim Ayub, and together they steadied the ship, adding 149 runs for the third wicket. Ayub looked fluent throughout his innings, playing a variety of elegant shots. However, just as he seemed poised for a century, a lapse in concentration saw him chip a simple catch to Ben Stokes at short mid-off for 87.

Despite Ayub’s dismissal, Ghulam continued to anchor Pakistan’s innings. Battling cramps and facing challenging conditions as the ball began to reverse swing, Ghulam brought up his maiden century in style, a remarkable achievement on his Test debut. His knock came to an end in the final session when he attempted to take on England's off-spinner and was caught, leaving the field to a standing ovation for his 103-run effort.

England regained some control after dismissing Ghulam and Saud Shakeel, who edged behind off Brydon Carse for just 6. However, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan remained solid at the crease, finishing unbeaten on 37 alongside Salman Ali Agha, who is on 5*.

England’s bowlers had moments of dominance, especially Leach in the opening overs, but the pitch became easier to bat on as the day progressed. Leach finished with figures of 2/63, while Carse picked up 2/47. Pakistan will be hoping Rizwan and Salman can push their total beyond 300 on Day 2, while England will look to wrap up the innings quickly.

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With Pakistan at 259/5, the match remains delicately poised, but Ghulam’s debut century has certainly given the hosts the upper hand going into Day 2.

Brief Scores: 

Pakistan : 259/5 (Kamran Ghulam 103, Saim Ayub 87; Jack Leach 2/63, Brydon Carse 2/47) vs England