[Watch] Saud Shakeel Misses His Century As Joe Root Grabs A Sharp Low Catch In Multan Test
Saud Shakeel departs [@grassrootscric/X.com]
Pakistan’s star batter Saud Shakeel played a steady and impressive knock, scoring 82 runs in the ongoing first test between Pakistan and England at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan. His innings came to an end after a spectacular catch by England’s Joe Root. Shakeel had been crucial in helping Pakistan build their total, which stood at 328 runs on Day 1, thanks to a solid partnership between skipper Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique, both of whom scored centuries. Masood even crossed 150 runs in his innings.
Shakeel departs after well-made 82 runs against England
On Day 2, Pakistan resumed their innings at 350 runs in 96.2 overs, with Saud Shakeel well set at 50 runs off 96 balls. He continued his composed batting but unfortunately missed out on a century. Shakeel was dismissed for 82 runs off 177 balls, leaving Pakistan at a crucial juncture in the game.
In the 126th over of Pakistan’s first innings, Shoaib Bashir bowled a beauty. It was a flighted delivery on the middle stump line, slower through the air at 82 kmph. Shakeel leaned forward to defend but misjudged the line, resulting in an edge that was smartly caught by Joe Root low to his right. This marked Bashir’s first wicket and Pakistan’s seventh loss.
Pakistan’s Position After Shakeel’s Dismissal
Despite Shakeel’s departure, Pakistan managed to cross the 450-run mark, thanks to a 57-run partnership between Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha. England’s spinners were targeted by the pair, but with Shakeel gone, Salman remains the last recognized batter for Pakistan. England will aim to finish the innings quickly before Tea.
At the time of writing, Pakistan are at 480 for 8 in 133 overs.