Agha’s half-century thwarts England as Pakistan reach 515-8
Salman Agha’s brilliant half-century frustrated England’s bowlers on Tuesday as Pakistan reached 515-8 at tea on day two of the first Test in Multan. Agha remained unbeaten on 79, supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who contributed 13 not out.
England struck twice in both sessions, but Agha’s resilience on a batsman-friendly pitch kept Pakistan firmly in control. The 30-year-old narrowly survived a dismissal when Chris Woakes caught him off Jack Leach’s bowling, but the third umpire ruled Woakes’ foot had touched the boundary rope, awarding Agha a six.
Agha’s innings featured 10 fours and two sixes, marking his eighth Test fifty and taking him past 1,000 runs in his 15th match. His valuable 57-run partnership with Saud Shakeel (82) steadied Pakistan before Shakeel was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir, with Joe Root taking a sharp catch at slip.
Brydon Carse impressed on debut, claiming 2-74, including the wicket of Aamer Jamal (7). Earlier, Carse trapped Naseem Shah (33) at leg slip before lunch. Gus Atkinson (2-99) and Jack Leach (2-136) were also among the wickets, with Leach dismissing Mohammed Rizwan before the break.
England’s bowlers maintained tight control, conceding just 69 runs in a restrained first session as Pakistan built their imposing total.
(Source: AFP)
