The two-day warm-up match between Pakistan and the SLC Board XI concluded in a draw, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel stealing the spotlight with their impressive half-centuries. Pakistan, in reply to the home side’s 196, were bowled out for 342. The match ended with the SLC Board XI at 88 for four.
Babar, who began the day at 14, retired after a fluent knock of 79, while Saud retired on 61 after being yet to open his account. Their innings provided significant contributions to Pakistan’s total. Babar faced 113 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and a six, while Saud’s innings included six fours from 86 deliveries. Sarfaraz Ahmed remained unbeaten on 17 from 26 balls.
The batting performances of Babar, Saud, Shan Masood, and openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique will instill confidence in the Pakistan team heading into the first Test match scheduled to begin in Galle on Sunday, July 16.
In addition to the batsmen, Shaheen Shah Afridi displayed his brilliance on his return to red-ball cricket, claiming four wickets. Hasan Ali also impressed with a three-wicket haul, while Abrar Ahmed and Aamir Jamal shared four wickets between them. Sarfaraz Ahmed showcased his skills behind the stumps, taking four catches.
On the final day of the match, the SLC Board XI scored 88 runs for the loss of four wickets in 30 overs, with Nuwanidu Fernando (31 not out) and Nipun Dhananjaya (26 not out) remaining unbeaten. Salman Ali Agha took two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed a wicket each.
The performances of both teams in this warm-up match have provided valuable preparation and insights ahead of the upcoming Test series. Pakistan’s batsmen showcased their form, while the bowlers displayed their skills, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the first Test.
Scores in Brief (Day 2 of 2):
SLC Board XI: 196 all out in 46.3 overs (Oshada Fernando 113; Hasan Ali 3-22, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-37, Aamir Jamal 2-33, Abrar Ahmed 2-52) and 88-4 in 30 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 31*, Nipun Dhananjaya 26*; Salman Ali Agha 2-18)
Pakistan: 342 all out in 78.3 overs (Shan Masood 83, Babar Azam 79 retired, Saud Shakeel 61 retired, Imam-ul-Haq 36, Abdullah Shafique 25; Lakshitha Manasinghe 4-82, Praveen Jayawickrama 2-89)
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