Pakistan Shaheens clinched a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka ‘A’ on the fourth day of the first four-day match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A commanding 158-run partnership between Mohammad Suleman (86) and Ali Zaryab (83*) was key to their chase of 222 runs, which they achieved comfortably in 53 overs. Suleman struck 11 boundaries in his 129-ball innings before falling at 190, with Shaheens just 32 runs shy of victory. Ali, remaining unbeaten on 83 from 125 balls, closed out the match with support from Haider Ali, who scored a quick 19*.
Earlier, Test bowler Khurram Shahzad concluded Sri Lanka ‘A’s innings on the fourth ball of the day, ending with 5-70 in the second innings and an impressive match tally of 9-102. His new-ball partner Kashif Ali also contributed, taking 5-31 and 2-79 across the two innings.
In the first innings, Pakistan Shaheens were propelled by half-centuries from Hussain Talat, Rohail Nazir, and Ali Zaryab, which took them to 258 in response to Sri Lanka ‘A’s 115. Despite a fighting 364 from Sri Lanka ‘A’ in their second innings, Pakistan Shaheens’ disciplined bowling and effective partnerships secured their win.
The second and final match in the series will take place from 18 to 21 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Scores in Brief (Day 4 of 4):
Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by seven wickets
Sri Lanka ‘A’ 115 all out, 33.1 overs (Sonal Dinusha 30, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 28; Kashif Ali 5-31, Khurram Shahzad 4-32) and 364 all out, 96.4 overs (Wanuja Sahan 73, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 64, Sonal Dinusha 62, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Ahan Wickramasinghe 53; Khurram Shahzad 5-70, Mohammad Suleman 2-21, Kashif Ali 2-79)
Pakistan Shaheens 258 all out, 82.1 overs (Hussain Talat 56, Rohail Nazir 55, Ali Zaryab 55; Vishwa Fernando 4-44) and 222-3, 53 overs (Mohammad Suleman 86, Ali Zaryab 83*, Haider Ali 19*)
Player of the Match: Ali Zaryab (Pakistan Shaheens)
Next Match: 18-21 November, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Leave a Reply