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The second day of the England tour of Pakistan Test match in Multan saw Pakistan inch closer to a substantial first innings score, reaching 358/8 at lunch. Despite England's efforts to curtail Pakistan's momentum, a crucial ninth-wicket partnership between Noman Ali and Aamer Jamal propelled the hosts past the 350-run mark.
England's morning session began with a missed opportunity as Matthew Potts struck Mohammad Rizwan's pad, but the umpire's decision was overturned after England opted for a review. However, Rizwan's innings was cut short shortly after when Brydon Carse found the outside edge of his bat with a short-of-length delivery, ending his contribution at 41 runs.
Aamer Jamal, who had entered the crease earlier, found his groove and formed a steady partnership with Agha Salman, who had switched gears after Rizwan's dismissal. Salman played aggressively, using the field to his advantage and striking boundaries, including two off Matthew Potts deliveries guided to the third man fence. This partnership helped Pakistan cross the 300-run milestone. However, Salman's innings came to an end when he edged a delivery from Potts to the keeper, ending the partnership after a 38-run stand.
After the drinks break, Pakistan lost their eighth wicket as Sajid Khan, lured into a drive by Jack Leach, chipped the ball to cover. With the score at 309/8, the onus fell on the lower order to build a significant total. Noman Ali and Aamer Jamal stepped up to the challenge, adding a crucial ninth-wicket partnership.
Jamal, in particular, showcased his aggressive intent, smashing a couple of short balls from Potts for boundaries. Noman Ali also contributed valuable runs, hitting fours regularly and providing crucial support to Jamal. This partnership blossomed and eventually powered Pakistan past 350 runs. By lunch, they had extended their partnership to 49 runs, both unbeaten and having scored nine fours between them.
The day's play highlighted the resilience of the Pakistan batting lineup, with the lower order stepping up to deliver significant contributions. Noman Ali and Aamer Jamal's ninth-wicket partnership proved to be a crucial turning point, pushing Pakistan towards a formidable total. England will need to find a way to break the partnership and restrict Pakistan in the afternoon session to avoid falling behind in the match.