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The second Test between Pakistan and England is delicately poised as Ben Duckett and Sajid Khan stole limelight with their exceptional performances on Day 2 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on October 16.
England's star opener Ben Duckett rose to the occasion and played a superb knock, scoring a fiery century when the chips were down.
Sajid Khan spins a web around England batters
However, Pakistan's star off-spinner Sajid Khan took three crucial wickets in the final session, leaving the second Test in Multan delicately poised at the close of Day two. In reply to Shan Masood-led Pakistan's first-innings total of 366, England reached 211-2, with Duckett and Joe Root looking solid. However, Sajid Khan (4-86) triggered a dramatic collapse, leaving England struggling at 239-6 at the end of the day. Jamie Smith (12) and Brydon Carse (2) remained unbeaten, with England still trailing by 127 runs.
Ben Duckett shines with brilliant century
England's batting began aggressively, scoring at nearly seven runs per over in the first ten overs. Duckett (114) was the standout performer, building partnerships of over 50 runs with Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root. Crawley survived a few close calls before being dismissed by Noman Ali for 27. Pope (29) and Root (34) made crucial contributions but succumbed to Sajid Khan's spin bowling.
Duckett, who had dislocated his thumb during the first Test, quickly demonstrated his ability to score runs effortlessly. Despite facing a barrage of spin bowling, the left-hander showcased his signature sweeps and reverses.
Duckett reached his century in 120 deliveries, fittingly with another sweep off Salman's off-spin. This was his fourth Test century and his first in 18 innings.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's lower order contributed significantly to their total, adding crucial runs after resuming at 259-5. Salman Agha (31), Aamer Jamal (37), and Noman (32) showed resilience, helping Pakistan surpass the 350-run mark. Veteran spinner Jack Leach (4-114) led the bowling attack with a four-wicket haul, while Carse (3-50) and Matthew Potts (2-66) also made valuable contributions.
Jamal, the only seamer in Pakistan's bowling attack, suffered a hip injury while batting and has been used sparingly. England, who won the first Test in Multan, currently leads the three-match series 1-0.
At the end of the Day 2's game, England opener Ben Duckett while speaking to Sky Sports, said:
"Obviously I'm happy with how I played. It would be nice to be going back out there tomorrow, maybe a couple of wickets less but credit to them, I think they bowled so well throughout our whole innings.
"We'll really stress that first hour tomorrow. It's really important we look to score runs. On this pitch, it's not going to be a draw and we're not going to play for a draw."
