Ali Zaryab’s Century Headlines Draw as Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’ Ends in Stalemate

Ali Zaryab’s masterful century was the highlight of a weather-affected four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ at the Islamabad Club, which ended in a draw on Friday. The opening two days of play had been washed out due to rain and a wet outfield, leaving limited time for a result.

The 25-year-old left-hander from Lahore showcased his class, scoring 117 runs before retiring out, helping Pakistan Shaheens reach 281 for four in 65 overs. This was in response to Bangladesh ‘A’s first innings total of 404 for nine declared.

Bangladesh ‘A’ had resumed their innings on the final morning at 346 for six, with Jaker Ali continuing his fine form. Jaker, who was eventually dismissed for 172, played a key role in building Bangladesh’s formidable total. His 286-ball knock included 17 fours and five sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award. Test spinner Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the Shaheens’ bowlers, taking all three wickets to fall on the final day, finishing with figures of 36-6-103-4.

Ali Zaryab’s innings featured 17 fours and a six from 132 deliveries. After the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed for a golden duck, Ali stabilized the innings with crucial partnerships. He added 60 runs with Kamran Ghulam (34) for the second wicket and 82 runs with Saad Khan (37) for the third wicket before retiring out at the score of 223.

When play ended, Sharoon Siraj was unbeaten on 53 and Qasim Akram was not out on 36, with the match concluding without a winner.

With the four-day match behind them, both sides now turn their attention to a three-match 50-over series, set to begin at the Islamabad Club on 26 August.

Scores in brief (Day 4 of 4):

• Bangladesh ‘A’ (1st innings): 404-9d, 113.2 overs (Jaker Ali 172, Saif Hasan 111; Abrar Ahmed 4-103, Ghulam Mudassir 2-75, Mehran Mumtaz 2-81)
• Pakistan Shaheens (1st innings): 281-4, 65 overs (Ali Zaryab 117 retired out, Sharoon Siraj 53 not out, Saad Khan 37, Qasim Akram 36 not out, Kamran Ghulam 34)

Player of the Match: Jaker Ali (Bangladesh ‘A’)