- Haider Ali’s century and Sharoon Siraj’s all-round performance led to a commanding 108-run victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’.
- Haider and Abdul Samad’s fourth-wicket partnership contributed to a formidable total of 305/7 in their 50 overs.
- Haider Ali’s match-winning century earned him the Player of the Match award.
ISLAMABAD: Haider Ali’s aggressive century and Sharoon Siraj’s all-round performance 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.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens posted a formidable total of 305/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to a stellar fourth-wicket partnership between Haider and Abdul Samad. The Shaheens got off to a shaky start, with openers Mohammad Huraira (26) and Maaz Sadaqat (11) making modest contributions.
Haider, coming in at number four, formed a brief 27-run partnership for the third wicket with Siraj, who contributed a solid 42 off 48 balls. Haider then partnered with Samad, putting on 120 runs for the fourth wicket, with Samad scoring 56 off 63 balls. Haider’s aggressive 108 runs off 94 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes, was the highlight of the innings.
Mohammad Haris and Muhammad Imran further bolstered the total with quick cameos towards the end.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s batting struggled as they were bowled out for just 198 in 39.4 overs. Chamindu Wickramasinghe top-scored with 47 runs, while Sonal Dinusha (38) and Sahan Arachchige (35) made valuable contributions.
Siraj was the star bowler for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs. Mohammad Imran Jnr took two wickets, and Ubaid Shah, Sirajuddin, Mehran Mumtaz, and Mohammad Imran each took one wicket.