Pakistan rue missed opportunities at Headingley

Shafique top-scores with 61 as Pakistan collapse after promising partnership with Imam-ul-Haq

Pakistan endured a difficult opening day of the first Test against England at Headingley on Wednesday, being bowled out for 171 after failing to capitalise on a promising recovery led by Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq.

Shafique top-scored with 61 from 104 balls, including eight fours, and shared a 91-run third-wicket partnership with Imam after Pakistan were reduced to six for two inside the opening overs.

Azan Awais was trapped lbw with the first ball of the match before captain Shan Masood fell to the same dismissal soon afterwards, leaving Pakistan in immediate trouble.

Shafique and Imam steadied the innings before rain interrupted play after 9.1 overs, but Pakistan were unable to maintain their momentum once play resumed.

“It was an unfortunate day for us,” Shafique told reporters. “From the start we lost a wicket, then me and Imam built a partnership, but after that we collapsed.”

He said the conditions had been challenging but acknowledged that Pakistan had failed to make the most of their opportunities.

“First of all, the conditions we were batting in were tough. England took advantage by bowling first, but we couldn’t continue the momentum,” Shafique said.

Pakistan also missed a costly opportunity when Saud Shakeel was given lbw against Ollie Robinson in the 36th over. Shakeel attempted to seek a review, but the request came after the allotted time and the on-field umpires rejected it.

Replays subsequently indicated that the delivery would have missed the stumps, meaning Shakeel could have remained at the crease had Pakistan reviewed the decision in time.

“I told Saud Shakeel to review the umpire’s decision, but he seemed confused as to whether to take the DRS or not,” Shafique said.

With England now in a strong position, Pakistan will need an immediate response from their bowlers to prevent the hosts from building a substantial first-innings lead.

“We will try to take wickets tomorrow to build momentum.”