Watch: Mohammad Rizwan celebrates Kamran Ghulam's hundred in outpouring of emotion

Pakistan vs England, 2nd Test: Mohammad Rizwan, who handed over the debut cap to Kamran Ghulam, was in the middle when the 29-year-old hit a hundred in his first innings in Test cricket. Rizwan shared a warm hug with Kamran, who shone for Pakistan in Multan on Tuesday, October 15.

In Short

• Kamran Ghulam hit a hundred on his Test debut for Pakistan
• The 29-year-old replaced Babar Azam for the second Test vs England
• Mohammad Rizwan shared a warm hug with Kamran after the hundred

Pakistan cricket finally had a reason to cheer after weeks of disappointment and controversies as debutant Kamran Ghulam stepped up and delivered on Day 1 of the second Test against England in Multan. The 29-year-old hit a hundred on his debut in Test cricket as led an improved batting display from the hosts who finished with 259 for 5.

Kamran Ghulam made headlines earlier this week when he replaced Babar Azam, who was dropped for the second and third Tests along with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. In the lead-up to the second Test, the chatter around dropping Babar dominated the headlines as the selectors' bold call divided opinions.

PAK vs ENG, 2nd Test Day 1: Highlights

There was pressure on Pakistan after they were humiliated in the first Test, losing by an innings despite scoring in excess of 500 runs in the first innings.

However, Kamran Ghulam's hundred brought a lot of joy and relief to the dressing room. It was evident with the way head coach Jason Gillespie led a standing ovation for Kamran, who brought up his hundred after a masterful stay in the middle.

The highlight of the emotional moment was Mohammad Rizwan celebrating his partner's century while trying to scamper to the striker's end. Rizwan, who was batting alongside Kamran, was thrilled for his batting partner as he started punching the air in delight. Rizwan waited for Kamran to soak in the emotions before walking over to him and giving him a warm hug.

At the same time, Kamran's family, which was at the Multan Cricket Ground, was celebrating from the stands. Emotions were running high as Kamran's close ones shared warm hugs with one another.

Kamran prayed to the almighty after the momentous hundred in his Test debut and acknowledged the applause from the dressing room.

Kamran became the second oldest man to hit a Test hundred on debut after Abid Ali in 2019 for Pakistan. The all-rounder, who played an ODI in 2023, was overwhelmed with emotions after steering Pakistan out of trouble.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a dry pitch in Multan. However, things did not go according to plan as they lost opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood early. Pakistan slipped to 19 for 2 before Saim Ayub and Kamran stitched a 143-run partnership for the third wicket.

Kamran hit 11 boundaries and a six for his 224-ball 118. The seasoned campaigner was in complete control of the proceedings, dominating spin and playing pace with soft hands. Kamran survived a crucial phase when England's fast bowlers operated with the old ball, trying to extract reverse swing.

Kamran looked set for a big knock, but he was dismissed by off-spinner Shoaib Bashir towards the end of the day's play. Kamran walked down the wicket, but played the wrong line and was bowled by the off-spinner. The 29-year-old vented his frustration as he kept punching his bat and pads in disappointment while walking back to the pavilion.