The opening day of the 2nd Test between Pakistan and England at the Multan Cricket Stadium concluded with Pakistan reaching a solid total of 259/5 at the stumps. The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was an outstanding century by debutant Kamran Ghulam, who showcased remarkable poise and patience in his knock of 118 runs off 224 balls. Ghulam’s innings was a masterclass in disciplined batting, featuring 11 well-timed fours and a towering six. His century on debut provided Pakistan with a firm foundation and steadied the ship after an early setback, making him the standout performer of the day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted

Is se acha Birthday Gift 🎁 #BabarAzam kay liye Ho nahi sakta. HBD
Congratulations #Kamranghulam👏
This too shall pass.. Stay HOME😁 pic.twitter.com/fuCaWXbM8B

— Qamar Raza (@Rizzvi73) October 15, 2024

Babar Azam’s replacement Kamran Ghulam scored a century on Test debut. pic.twitter.com/BtKu6GoNJL

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 15, 2024

THE NEW NUMBER 4 OF PAKISTAN….!!!!

– Kamran Ghulam who replaced Babar Azam has scored a Hundred on his International debut. 🫡👌 pic.twitter.com/bTPyuMuMQW

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 15, 2024

Congratulations to Kamran Ghulam on an incredible debut, marked with a remarkable Test century against England!

Your hard work and dedication have paid off, here’s to many more milestones ahead🏏💯 #KamranGhulam #PakvsEng pic.twitter.com/sUaxd5Lvdi

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) October 15, 2024

A Test debut to remember for Kamran Ghulam 🏏#WTC25 #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/Di12iZGiMG

— ICC (@ICC) October 15, 2024

Big moment for Kamran Ghulam as he hits a FOUR to bring up his maiden Test century! 💯#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/beA8rpCl68

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 15, 2024

The 13th Pakistan player to score a hundred on debut, the 11th to accomplish the feat in Pakistan, the first to achieve against England, the second at Multan after Taufiq Umar (104 versus Bangladesh in 2001) – well done Kamran Ghulam, the future beckons.

It’s all about… pic.twitter.com/PQwPLX1mR0

— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) October 15, 2024

👑 Kamran Ghulam is better than ?
Please complete the sentence. #ENGvsPAK #KamranGhulam pic.twitter.com/ByJc19jHsT

— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) October 15, 2024

Congratulations Kamran Ghulam 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 maiden 💯 on debut. Many more to come… pic.twitter.com/YLVOihwckv

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 15, 2024

Babar Azam’s replacement registers a century on Test debut 👀

A dream start for Kamran Ghulam 👊#PAKvENG #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/rp1aabsjcD

— Sanjana Ganesan 🇮🇳 (@iSanjanaGanesan) October 15, 2024

Also WATCH: Jack Leach outfoxes Abdullah Shafique with his spin on Day 1 of the 2nd Test | PAK vs ENG 

Saim Ayub’s crucial contribution

Ghulam and Saim Ayub, build a solid partnership, Ayub who gave Pakistan a solid start with a gritty 77 off 160 deliveries, hitting 7 boundaries.

Pakistan had an early stumble when they lost opener Abdullah Shafique cheaply, but Ayub’s innings provided stability at the top. Ghulam, showing great temperament, built a crucial partnership with Saim Ayub, guiding Pakistan through a tricky period after the early wicket.

After Ayub’s dismissal, Kamran continued his steady approach, reaching his century and keeping England’s bowlers at bay. His resilience was complemented by Mohammad Rizwan, who is unbeaten on 37 off 89 balls with 4 fours, adding solidity to Pakistan’s middle-order effort. Rizwan played cautiously, ensuring Pakistan didn’t lose momentum after Ghulam’s dismissal late in the day.

England bowlers struggle to break partnerships

England’s bowling attack was disciplined, though they struggled to break through Pakistan’s partnerships for most of the day. Jack Leach bowled the bulk of the overs, sending down 28 overs for 92 runs and taking 2 wickets. His persistence was rewarded as he removed Shafique and the Pakistan skipper Shan Masood Meanwhile, Brydon Carse was highly economical, delivering 5 maidens in his 11-over spell, conceding only 14 runs and taking 1 wicket.

While Pakistan will be happy with the day’s play, England’s bowlers will look to make early inroads on Day 2 to prevent the hosts from posting a large first-innings total. The pitch showed some signs of wear, and spinners could play a significant role as the game progresses.

Also WATCH: Pakistan captain Shan Masood falls cheaply to Jack Leach on Day 1 of 2nd Test | PAK vs ENG

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