Imam, Shafique slam unbeaten half-centuries as England frustrated on Day 2
Imam and Shafique scored half-centuries [Source: Twitter]
This won't be an understatement to say that the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and England is heading towards a draw. In another frustrating day for the bowlers, the pitch turned out to be a graveyard for them, but was a paradise for the batters on either side.
After dismissing England for a mammoth 657, Pakistan openers were rock solid as the home side ended Day 2 on 181 with all 10 wickets intact.
Records galore as England smash 657
England started Day 2 on 506/4 and skipper Ben Stokes made his intentions pretty clear when he smashed a six on the very first ball that he faced in the morning. But Naseem Shah, who toiled so hard yesterday reaped the reward as he dismissed the England skipper for a quick-fire 18-ball 41.
Debutant Liam Livingstone followed his skipper soon, but Harry Brook continued from where he left yesterday. The Yorkshire batter took special liking to Zahid Mahmood and smashed a record 27 runs in his one over to demoralise the bowler.
Brook was eventually sent back after breaching the 150-run mark, but England added few extra runs in their kitty, thanks to a gritty 37 from Ollie Robinson.
Pakistan bowled their hearts out and eventually wrapped up the England innings for a record 657.
Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 3 for 140.
Imam, Shafique steady the ship for Pakistan
With the Pindi surface offering nothing to the bowlers, Pakistan opening duo Abdullah Shafique (89*) and Imam-ul-Haq (90*) showed grit and determination with the willow in hand.
This was a different innings to the one played by England. Pakistan batters took calculated risks and frustrated the England bowlers all day long.
Ben Stokes tried all the permutation combinations, but nothing worked for his side. Both Imam and Shafique targeted Jack Leach and never allowed the spinner to settle in properly.
Once again bad light stopped the day's play as the two batters were nearing the three-figure mark.
This Test match is heading towards a draw, unless we see a miracle take place (which is highly unlikely). Day 3 is generally known as a moving day, and by tomorrow we'll know the direction in which the game is heading towards.
Brief Scores
England: 657-10 (101)
Harry Brook 153 (116), Zak Crawley 122 (111);
Naseem Shah 3-140 (24), Zahid Mahmood 4-235 (33)
Pakistan: 181-0 (51)
Abdullah Shafique 89* (158), Imam-ul-Haq 90* (148)
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