In a momentous debut for Pakistan, 29-year-old Kamran Ghulam made headlines with a superb century within the second Check in opposition to England at Multan Cricket Stadium. Changing Babar Azam at No. 4 in Pakistan’s taking part in XI, Ghulam showcased his expertise and composure by scoring a powerful century in his very first Check match, offering a much-needed increase to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Ghulam reached his maiden century within the first innings on Tuesday, guiding the staff to a strong place after early setbacks. His century got here from 192 balls and included eight fours and a six, marking a disciplined and affected person innings. Ghulam’s innings was a testomony to his resilience and ability, particularly contemplating the stress of debuting in such an important match for Pakistan.
Essential Partnership with Saim Ayub
Ghulam’s contribution was not nearly particular person brilliance; he performed a key function in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings after the early dismissal of the highest order. He shaped an important 149-run partnership with opener Saim Ayub, who himself scored a strong 77 from 160 deliveries. This partnership helped Pakistan recuperate from a shaky begin after dropping Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood throughout the first 10 overs of the match.
Shafique was bowled by England’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach for simply seven runs, whereas Shan Masood, who had top-scored within the first Check, was dismissed for a mere three runs, caught by Zak Crawley off Leach’s bowling. Pakistan discovered themselves at 23/2, in want of a stabilizing partnership. Ghulam and Ayub delivered precisely that, steering the staff out of early hassle.
A Dream Debut for Kamran Ghulam
Kamran Ghulam’s century positioned him in an elite checklist of Pakistani batters who’ve scored 100 on Check debut. He grew to become the thirteenth Pakistani participant to realize this feat, becoming a member of the likes of Javed Miandad, Younis Khan, and Fawad Alam. His hundred is now etched in Pakistan’s cricket historical past alongside greats like Miandad, who scored 163 on debut in opposition to New Zealand in 1976, and Younis Khan, who made 107 in opposition to Sri Lanka in 2000.
This efficiency not solely made his debut memorable but additionally added weight to Pakistan’s choice to incorporate him within the squad instead of Babar Azam, who was dropped for the final two matches of the sequence. Ghulam, who had performed 59 first-class matches previous to his Check debut, proved his mettle on the worldwide stage and justified the selectors’ daring choice.
The Finish of Babar Azam’s Run?
Babar Azam’s omission from the taking part in XI was one of many main speaking factors earlier than the beginning of the second Check. The previous captain, who stepped down from his management function final yr, has been scuffling with type. He hasn’t scored a fifty in his final 18 innings, a stretch that noticed rising criticism and requires modifications within the lineup. With Kamran Ghulam’s robust debut efficiency, the way forward for Babar’s place within the staff could also be unsure.
Pakistan’s choice committee, beneath new management, made sweeping modifications to the squad for the remaining two Exams of the sequence. Along with dropping Babar, the staff additionally ignored key pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, additional signaling a shift in technique.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Proceed Regardless of Ghulam’s Century
Regardless of Ghulam’s heroics, Pakistan’s batting efficiency was removed from excellent. After the lack of the early wickets of Shafique and Shan, the middle-order contributions of Ayub and Ghulam saved Pakistan aggressive. Nevertheless, a lot will depend upon the efficiency of the decrease order within the coming days if Pakistan is to publish a difficult complete in opposition to England, who’ve been relentless within the sequence to date.
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