PAK vs ENG 2024/25, PAK vs ENG 1st Test Match Report, October 07 – 11, 2024

Lunch Pakistan 397 for 6 (Shakeel 67*, Salman 0*) vs England

Naseem, resuming his role as nightwatcher, made his highest score in any format of the game – 33 from 81 balls – and held up England’s persevering attack for more than 90 minutes. His efforts, which included hitting three sixes during a stand of 64 alongside Shakeel, ensured that there would be no quick route back into the game for the tourists, after centuries for Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique set the tone on day one.

England had been encouraged after their toil on the first day by taking three wickets in the final session, including that of Babar Azam with the second new ball. That ball was still only five overs old when play resumed, with Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson looking to test Naseem’s technique around off stump.

Naseem was beaten several times early on but kept his composure. His first boundary came via a controlled steer wide of the cordon and when he was drawn into edging one from Atkinson, the lack of pace in the pitch meant it bounced well short of second slip.

With Shakeel ticking along towards his half-century and Naseem settling into his unaccustomed role, England went with spin from one end and short-ball tactics from the other. Naseem was hit on the back of the helmet by Atkinson, but far from cowing the nightwatcher it only encouraged a more expansive approach, as he jumped out to launch Shoaib Bashir over long-on. Shakeel went to fifty – his fifth against England in four Tests – with a sweep in the same over.

Naseem, emboldened, soon eclipsed his previous Test best of 18, before twice depositing Jack Leach beyond the ropes – the second an audacious inside-to-out hit over extra cover. The stand passed 50 and Naseem was outscoring his senior partner by the time he finally succumbed to Carse’s round-the-wicket attack, edging into the hands of leg slip.