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Follow UsPakistan cricket team batter Abdullah Shafique made a strong comeback with a remarkable century on Day 1 of the first Test against England in Multan on Monday. Shafique demonstrated excellent form, scoring 102 runs off 184 balls before being dismissed by Gus Atkinson.
This innings was particularly important for the Pakistani player, as he had recorded three consecutive ducks in his previous matches. When questioned about Shafique's performance, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood defended his teammate by referencing Indian batter Virat Kohli, noting that Shafique’s record after 19 Tests is actually superior to Kohli's.
"Respectfully, I believe your question lacks accuracy... While I agree Pakistan hasn’t played well in 2024, we should look at things objectively. The other day, I came across a statistic stating that Abdullah Shafique, having played 19 Tests, has a better record than Virat Kohli," he stated.
Both Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique achieved centuries as Pakistan finished Day 1 with a solid score of 328-4 in the first Test against England. Masood’s impressive 151 marked his first hundred in four years, while Shafique’s 102 helped the pair establish a formidable 253-run partnership for the second wicket after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat.
England, under the leadership of Ollie Pope in place of the injured Ben Stokes, briefly fought back, removing both Masood and Shafique for just two runs in the third session.
As they took the second new ball at 308-3, the visitors dismissed Babar Azam, who was trapped leg-before by fast bowler Chris Woakes for 30 runs. Saud Shakeel was not out on 35 at the end of the day’s play, with nightwatchman Naseem Shah yet to score.