In a gripping start to Pakistan’s tour, Shan Masood, donning the captain’s armband for the first time, showcased his batting prowess by etching his name in the record books with a remarkable unbeaten century on the opening day against Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback as Jordan Buckingham made the ball talk to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq cheaply. However, the entrance of the seasoned Shan Masood stabilized the innings after an initial wobble.
Shan’s masterful innings of 156 not out from 235 deliveries was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s resilience. With 13 boundaries and a six, the 34-year-old navigated his team through turbulent moments, displaying grit and composure.
Joining hands with Abdullah Shafique initially, Shan meticulously constructed a 58-run partnership before Shafique’s departure, adding stability to the innings.
The pivotal partnership of 92 runs between Shan and Babar Azam further bolstered Pakistan’s innings. However, Buckingham’s incisive spell claimed Babar’s prized wicket after a composed 40 runs, halting a burgeoning partnership.
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Subsequent contributions from Saud Shakeel and the aggressive Sarfaraz Ahmed added vital runs to the tally. Sarfaraz’s brisk 41, embellished with six boundaries, complemented Shan’s anchor role, boosting Pakistan’s momentum.
Despite losing a few quick wickets towards the end, with Faheem Ashraf’s dismissal marking the conclusion of play, Pakistan stood strong at 324-6 after 89.4 overs.
Shan’s resilient and commanding knock not only lifted Pakistan from precarious situations but also propelled them to a formidable total, setting the stage for an intriguing second day’s play at the Manuka Oval.
The spotlight remains on Shan Masood, whose sublime batting display showcased leadership by example, setting the tone for Pakistan’s campaign in the forthcoming days of the tour.
As the action unfolds on day two, the cricketing world eagerly awaits further thrilling performances from both sides in this enthralling tour opener.
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