A sparkling century by Haider Ali and an all-round performance by Sharoon Siraj guided Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding 108-run victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first 50-over match at the Islamabad Club on Monday.
Batting Masterclass by Haider Ali
After being put into bat, the hosts posted a formidable 306/7 in 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant 108 off 94 balls from Haider Ali. The right-hander’s knock featured eight fours and six towering sixes, showcasing a mix of resilience and aggression.
Walking in at 94/3, Haider steadied the innings with a crucial 120-run partnership with Abdul Samad (56 off 63 balls). Haider’s acceleration was the highlight, reaching his century off 90 balls before being dismissed. Late cameos by Mohammad Haris (36* off 25 balls) and Muhammad Imran (15 off 10 balls) helped Shaheens add 85 runs in the final 10 overs.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ Struggles in the Chase
Sri Lanka ‘A’ faltered in their chase, losing early wickets to slump to 61/4 and never recovering fully. Chamindu Wickramasinghe top-scored with 47, while Sonal Dinusha (38) and Sahan Arachchige (35) offered resistance. However, regular breakthroughs by Shaheens’ bowlers kept the visitors in check, eventually bowling them out for 198 in 39.4 overs.
Sharoon Siraj’s All-Round Show
Sharoon Siraj was the standout performer, contributing a quickfire 42 off 48 balls with the bat before returning to take 3/21 in 4.4 overs. He was well-supported by Mohammad Imran Junior (2/30) and a disciplined effort from the rest of the attack, with all bowlers chipping in with a wicket apiece.
Brief Scores
Pakistan Shaheens: 306/7 in 50 overs
- Haider Ali 108 (94b, 8×4, 6×6)
- Abdul Samad 56 (63b, 5×4, 1×6)
- Sharoon Siraj 42 (48b, 2×4, 2×6)
- Eshan Malinga 3/61, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 2/52
Sri Lanka ‘A’: 198 all out in 39.4 overs
- Chamindu Wickramasinghe 47 (63b, 4×4, 1×6)
- Sonal Dinusha 38 (52b, 5×4)
- Sharoon Siraj 3/21, Mohammad Imran Junior 2/30
Result: Pakistan Shaheens won by 108 runs
Player of the Match: Haider Ali (Pakistan Shaheens)
The win gives Pakistan Shaheens a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second game scheduled to be played on Wednesday.
Comment here