Watch: Abdullah Shafique hits sensational sixes to reach his fifty and century against England

Abdullah Shafique, on Monday (October 7), scored a stunning ton to put Pakistan in the driver's seat in the ongoing Test against England in Multan.

After Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, the right-handed batsman and Saim Ayub came out to open the innings for the home side. However, the Pakistan openers could not stitch together a big stand as Ayub was dismissed by Gutkinson for just 4 runs to give England a solid start.

It was followed by a brilliant batting display from Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan captain Shan Masood. They sent the England bowlers on a leather hunt by stitching together a big stand. Both the Pakistan batsmen scored centuries and shared a big stand of 253 runs for the second wicket.

The partnership finally came to an end in the last session of the day when Atkinson struck for the second time in the game. The right-arm pacer dismissed Shafique in the 60th over to give the visitors a much-needed breakthrough. The Pakistan opener departed after scoring 102 runs off 184 balls. His knock was studded with 10 fours and two sixes.

Abdullah Shafique's milestone sixes:

Abdullah Shafique reached his fifty and century during the innings in style. On both occasions, the 24-year-old hit a six. While batters usually become cautious when they approach any milestone, Shafique did not shy away from playing a big shot.

In the 24th over of the innings, he hit young spinner Shoaib Bashir for two fours and a six to complete his fifty off 77 balls. He was batting on 47 when he charged down the track and hit Bashir's delivery over long-on for a six to complete his fifty.

He completed his century in a similar fashion. Shafique was batting on 94 runs off 164 balls when he was up against Jack Leach in the 55th over. On the fifth ball of the over, he once again danced down the track and sent the ball over mid-on for a six to complete his fifth Test century.

Watch the sixes from Abdullah Shafique:

Full of confidence and excelling in style! ✨@imabd28 marches his way to a half-century 🏏#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/JQUywoPA4B

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2024

6️⃣ hit to reach 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 🔥

Star batter Abdullah Shafique 🙌#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/Ss5xyM4Cq4

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2024

The century came just at the right time for Shafique. The Pakistan batters were facing severe criticism in recent times for their poor displays and Shafique has managed to ease the pressure off himself with his latest knock. It is his first Test century since the 201-run knock against Sri Lanka in July last year.

Talking about the game, Pakistan were on 267/3 after 64 overs at the time of writing this report. Two runs after Shafique's departure, captain Masood departed as well. He was dismissed for 151 by Jack Leach.