Saud Shakeel narrowly missed a century, but Salman Agha’s brisk 79 not out propelled Pakistan to a commanding 515 for eight at tea on the second day of the contest on Tuesday.

Despite losing Saud and Aamer Jamal in the second session, Salman hit two sixes and 10 fours in his aggressive innings, pushing Pakistan past the 500-mark. Shaheen Afridi supported him with 13 runs.

England struggled for breakthroughs on Monday, and it continued when play resumed. Naseem Shah, a key part of Pakistan’s new-ball attack, showed his batting prowess by hitting three sixes in his career-best 33, despite taking hits to the helmet and his bowling hand.

Naseem’s 82-ball resistance ended when he edged Brydon Carse to Harry Brook at leg slip, giving the debutant seamer his first test wicket. Mohammad Rizwan followed, falling for a 12-ball duck to Jack Leach, caught by Chris Woakes at mid-off. Saud (82) seemed set for a hundred but was caught in the slip off Shoaib Bashir.

Salman’s free-scoring knock helped Pakistan add 118 runs from 26 overs in this session, solidifying their position in the match. England used two of their three reviews, with Ollie Pope’s review record as captain standing at 0-13.

Earlier, Saud was on track to become the third Pakistan batter to score a hundred in the opening test against England, as the hosts reached 397 for six at lunch. Naseem excelled in the nightwatchman role, scoring a career-best 33 and partnering with Saud, who was on 67 at the break. Salman Agha was yet to score at the other end on a batter’s paradise at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

England’s struggles continued as Naseem’s defiance finally ended, giving Carse his maiden test wicket. Mohammad Rizwan then fell for a 12-ball duck, stepping out against Jack Leach and spooning the ball to Chris Woakes at mid-off. Saud looked in control, hitting eight fours in his fine knock.