Azan Awais Anchors Shaheens with Classy 94 Amid Rain Delays

News Desk

Hove: Left-handed batter Azan Awais led the charge for Pakistan Shaheens with an unbeaten 94 as the visitors closed day one of their three-day match against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI at 185 for four at the 1st Central County Ground on Tuesday.

The opening day was marred by persistent rain, which allowed for only 55.2 overs of play. The final session was limited to just 14 deliveries before stumps were drawn.

Azan, continuing his fine form from the recently concluded one-day series—where he emerged as the leading run-scorer—held the innings together with a composed 159-ball knock featuring 14 boundaries and a six. He remained not out alongside wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, who was unbeaten on 7 off 14 balls, including one four.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Shaheens got off to a steady start with Azan and Shamyl Hussain putting together a 78-run opening partnership. Shamyl played fluently for his 42 off 85 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six before being dismissed. The pair had also forged a 101-run stand in the third one-day match at the same venue on Sunday.

Following Shamyl’s departure, Mohammad Suleman fell for 7 off 25 balls, while captain Saud Shakeel was forced to retire hurt on 15 (29 balls, 2x4s) after being struck on the hand by pacer Nathan Gilchrist.

Haider Ali, who had been in good form during the one-day series with two fifties, was dismissed without scoring. Mubasir Khan contributed a brisk 13 off 17 balls with two boundaries before falling shortly before tea.

For the hosts, Gilchrist was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 43 from 15 overs.

It is worth noting that Pakistan Shaheens began their England tour with a three-match one-day series against the PCC Select XI, which they won 2-1 by clinching victories in the first and final matches.