Haider stars as Shaheens crush SL A

ISLAMABAD: Haider Ali’s scintillating hundred powered Pakistan Shaheens to 108 runs victory over Sri Lanka 'A' in the first 50-over match at the Islamabad Club on Monday.

The Rawalpindi-based youngster smashed six sixes and eight fours in his 108 innings that helped Pakistan Shaheens to an imposing 306 for seven in the allotted 30 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka 'A' were bowled out for 198 in 39.4 overs.

It was discarded Haider who set the tone for Shaheens' dominance with some exciting stroke-making that left Sri Lanka A bowlers helpless. He reached his half-century off 59 deliveries with two boundaries and three sixes before accelerating to his century off 90 balls with seven fours and six sixes.

Sharoon Siraj also made a notable contribution with bat and ball. Sharoon struck a 48-ball 42 and then followed it up by claiming three wickets for 21 runs. Abdul Samad contributed 56, lifting Pakistan Shaheens total to over 300.

Haider added 120 runs from 119 balls for the fourth wicket with Abdul Samad, whose 63-ball knock included five fours and a six. Their partnership rescued Pakistan Shaheens from a shaky position at 94 for three after being put into bat.

The hosts scored 46 for one in the first PowerPlay and capitalised on the fourth-wicket stand to accelerate late in the innings. Shaheens added 85 runs in the final 10 overs, with Mohammad Haris hitting an unbeaten 36 off 25 balls (four fours and a six) and Muhammad Imran chipping in with a quick-fire 15 off 10 balls (two fours).

For Sri Lanka 'A,' Eshan Malinga was the standout bowler with figures of three for 61, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe (two for 52) and Dilshan Madushanka (two for 62) also chipped in. In reply, Sri Lanka 'A' struggled to build partnerships, slumping to 61 for four and later to 136 for seven before being bowled out. Wickramasinghe top-scored with 47, while Sonal Dinusha (38) and Sahan Arachchige (35) provided some resistance.

Sharoon shone with the ball, returning figures of 4.4-0-21-3, while Mohammad Imran Junior picked up two for 30. Sirajuddin, Muhammad Imran, Ubaid Shah, and Mehran Mumtaz each claimed one wicket to complete the comprehensive victory.

Scores in brief 1st 50-over match - Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by 108 runs Pakistan Shaheens 306-7, 50 overs (Haider Ali 108, Abdul Samad 56, Sharoon Siraj 42, Mohammad Haris 36 not out, Mohammad Huraira 26; Eshan Malinga 3-61, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 2-52, Dilshan Madushanka 2-62)