Pakistan delivered a dramatic turnaround on day two of the second Test against England in Multan, clawing their way back into the match with a fiery spell of bowling that left the visitors reeling at 239 for 6 by stumps. Despite a dazzling century from opener Ben Duckett, England’s once-dominant position crumbled in a blink, with seizing control late in the day. The day began with England chasing Pakistan's first-innings score of 366, a total built on key contributions from Agha Salman and a valuable ninth-wicket stand between Aamer Jamal and Noman Ali.
England’s bowlers had fought hard to restrict Pakistan, with Brydon Carse and Jack Leach taking crucial wickets, but it was clear that the surface was starting to offer more for the spinners as the day wore on. England’s reply got off to a flying start, with Duckett and Zak Crawley racing to 73 without loss in just 12 overs. Duckett was at his aggressive best, utilising a range of sweeps to torment Pakistan’s spinners, eventually bringing up his fourth Test century.
His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, and he became the fastest player to reach 2000 Test runs in terms of balls faced. However, while Duckett thrived, Crawley struggled against the spinners, surviving two major let-offs before finally edging a loose drive to slip for 27. His departure signaled the start of a collapse that Pakistan would capitalise on in stunning fashion.
The catalyst for Pakistan’s resurgence was Sajid Khan, who turned .