Ben Duckett smashed a quick half-century as England reached 88-1 at tea on day two of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, responding to the hosts’ total of 366. Duckett was unbeaten on 53, while Ollie Pope remained on 5 not out, with England trailing by 278 runs and nine wickets in hand.
Duckett reached his 12th Test fifty in just 47 balls, guiding England to a strong start against a Pakistan bowling attack that featured only one specialist seamer, Aamer Jamal.
Pakistan turned to off-spinner Sajid Khan as early as the second over in search of a breakthrough. Zak Crawley, however, fought hard, surviving two close calls—once avoiding a run-out and later successfully overturning an LBW decision off Sajid. He eventually fell for 27, caught behind off Noman Ali after Pakistan’s successful review.
Earlier, Jack Leach led England’s charge with the ball, claiming 4-114 as Pakistan were bowled out for 366. Brydon Carse (3-50) and Matthew Potts (2-66) also contributed, but Pakistan’s lower order resisted, with Aamer Jamal and Noman Ali frustrating England by putting on 49 for the ninth wicket.
Debutant Kamran Ghulam top-scored with 118 on day one, while Saim Ayub contributed 77. Despite England’s early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s tail managed to stretch their total before the visitors began their brisk reply. England leads the series 1-0 after their dominant win in the first Test, also held in Multan.
