Shaheens lose openers after Bangladesh A score 258

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens faced a challenging start to their second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ on Friday, finding themselves trailing by 219 runs with eight wickets in hand at the close of play.

Opting to bowl first under sunny Darwin skies, the Shaheens made an early breakthrough when Kashif Ali dismissed Shadman Islam in the eighth over. However, a 60-run partnership between Parvez Hossain Emon and skipper Mahmudul Hasan Joy steadied the Bangladesh ‘A’ innings.

The introduction of Khurram Shahzad proved to be a turning point as he broke the partnership, removing Emon. Faisal Akram joined the party, dismissing Amite Hasan and Shahadat Hossain in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh ‘A’ reeling at 104-4.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy fought back with a determined knock of 69 runs, supported by Aich Mollah’s 55. However, the Bangladesh ‘A’ innings lost momentum after the departure of these two batsmen. Contributions from lower-order batters Mahidul Hasan Ankon, Rejaur Rehman Raja, and Ripon Mondol helped the team cross the 250-run mark, eventually bowled out for 258.

Khurram Shahzad and Kashif Ali were the standout bowlers for the Shaheens, claiming three wickets each, while Faisal Akram and Kamran Ghulam chipped in with two wickets apiece.

In reply, the Shaheens’ batting faltered early, losing both openers Sahibzada Farhan and Haseebullah within the first 16 overs. Nightwatchman Mohammad Ali and Omair Bin Yousuf will resume the innings on the second day.

Scores in brief

Pakistan Shaheens trail by 219 runs

Bangladesh A 258 all out, 67.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 69, Aich Mollah 55, Mahidul Islam Ankon 31, Parvez Hossain Emon 30; Khurram Shahzad 3-69, Kamran Ghulam 2-6, Kashif Ali 2-21, Faisal Akram 2-87)

Pakistan Shaheens 39-2, 16 overs (Haseebullah 18, Omair Bin Yousuf 7 not out; Ripon Mondol 2-22)