Shoaib Malik hit a fighting hundred to cap an impressive return to Test cricket after five years as he led Pakistan’s charge in the first Test against England on Tuesday.
Malik was unbeaten on 124 for his third Test hundred — his first against England — to guide Pakistan to 286-4 at close on the opening day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Malik added an invaluable 168 for the second wicket with opener Mohammad Hafeez who missed his century by two runs after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a flat pitch which is expected to take turn on the last two days.
Apart from Malik and Hafeez, the day was also memorable for senior batsman Younis Khan (38) who became Pakistan’s leading run scorer in Test cricket when he overhauled Javed Miandad’s tally of 8832 runs made in 124 Tests.
Younis, playing his 102nd Test, jumped out of his crease to hit spinner Moeen Ali for a big six at deep mid-wicket to reach 21, two more than his illustrious countryman.
England’s pace-cum-spin attack struggled for wickets, bowling some loose deliveries coupled with two dropped catches by Ian Bell both off James Anderson.
Anderson gave England an early breakthrough when he dismissed Shan Masood in a bizzare manner, with the left-handed opener taking his eyes off a bouncer. The ball hit the grill of his helmet before crashing onto the stumps.
Hafeez hit 13 boundaries during his 170-ball knock before he tried to play on the leg-side. He challenged the decision but to no avail.
Anderson, who took 2-29, was unlucky not to account for Hafeez as Bell dropped a regulation catch at second slip. Hafeez was then on seven.
Pakistan’s plans to hit England with spin were dealt a blow when Yasir Shah was ruled out with a back problem. England were without injured paceman Steven Finn.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 286/4 (Shoaib Malik 124, Mohd. Hafeez 98) vs England.