Lord’s (May 25, 2018): After retiring hurt well settle Babar Azam, 68, the tail-ender batting line up with duo Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan frustrated English bowling and their more than 50 runs partnership put Pakistan in commanding position in the first test against England at Lord’s.
At the stump of the second day, Pakistan were at 350 for eight with the strong lead of 166 runs as Muhammad Amir 19 and Abbas without a score on the wicket.
Pakistan lost his fifth wicket at 246 and at the same score well set Babaz Azam got the injury and retired hurt that open the way for English bowling to restrict Pakistan in the lowest lead, however, Shadab and Faheem Ashraf shattered their all dreams and set the example how bravely can face the dangerous bowling.
The 72 runs partnership between Sahdab Ashraf, 52 with the help of six fours, and Faheem Ashraf 37 including seven fours put Pakistan in commanding position.
Anderson and Ben Stokes shared three wickets each while Chris Broad and MA Wood each took a wicket.
At the break, Pakistan was 227-5, a lead of 43 after England was bowled out for 184 in its first innings on the first day.
Struggling for a crucial fifth wicket, England all-rounder Ben Stokes sent down a barrage of bouncers. Sarfraz ducked under all of them until he could not resist a wild hook at the last ball of the afternoon session and top-edged a catch to Mark Wood on the deep square leg boundary. He was out for nine.
Babar Azam was 59 not out at tea, the third Pakistan batsman to score a half-century. Asad Shafiq also scored a patient 59 before edging a Stokes delivery to slip. Opener Azhar Ali made 50.
Stokes took 2-38 and England’s other seamers, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and James Anderson, one wicket each.
After England’s batting collapse on Thursday, Pakistan resumed on 50-1 and resisted for an hour before losing two wickets in the morning session to reach 136-3 at lunch.
Pakistan was limited to 91 in the afternoon session as two more wickets fell, leaving the tourists with a modest lead going into the final session.
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