The second Test match between Pakistan and England in the 2024 series is heating up as both sides battle for dominance. After an intriguing first day, Day 2 continued to deliver high drama, intense action, and key moments that could define the course of the match.
Pakistan’s Resilient First Innings: 366 All Out
Pakistan started the day from their overnight score, determined to add valuable runs to their total. They managed to post a competitive 366 runs in 123.3 overs, showcasing solid performances from their middle-order batsmen, who held the innings together. The tailenders contributed important runs, frustrating England’s bowlers and pushing the total further than expected.
For Pakistan, key contributions came from the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, both of whom played patient yet impactful innings to build the foundation. The lower order’s resilience, especially from the bowlers, allowed Pakistan to cross the 350-run mark, giving them a strong total to defend.
England’s bowling attack was led by their pace spearhead Mark Wood, who finished with a five-wicket haul, his explosive pace and bounce troubling the Pakistani batsmen. Spinners also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, ensuring that Pakistan couldn’t extend their innings beyond 366.
England’s Response: 239/6 (53.0 Overs)
England’s reply to Pakistan’s first-innings total got off to a shaky start. Early breakthroughs from Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers put the visitors under pressure. England found themselves in trouble at 4/2, with both openers back in the pavilion early. Pakistan’s pace attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, was lethal in the initial overs, exploiting the conditions perfectly.
However, England’s middle order fought back, led by captain Ben Stokes, who provided some stability to the innings. His attacking approach, coupled with some sensible batting from Harry Brook, helped England recover from the early blows. Stokes, known for his counterattacking style, kept the scoreboard ticking even as wickets fell at the other end.
At 239/6 after 53 overs, England still have a lot of work to do. Wickets at regular intervals have hampered their progress, and the game remains evenly poised as they still trail by 127 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers will look to wrap up England’s innings quickly on Day 3, while England will aim to get as close to Pakistan’s total as possible, with Stokes and the lower order having a crucial role to play.
The Road Ahead
With the match delicately balanced, Day 3 will be critical in determining the direction of the Test. England will hope for a solid rearguard action from their lower-order batsmen, while Pakistan will want to maintain their momentum and secure a first-innings lead. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency over the next day will be key in this battle of attrition.
The series, tied at 0-0 after a rain-affected first Test, remains wide open, making every session from here crucial. Fans can expect more gripping cricket as these two historic rivals continue their quest for victory in Pakistan’s home conditions.
