Late Strikes by Shahzad and Akram Boost Pakistan Shaheens

News Desk

Darwin: Khurram Shahzad and Faisal Akram’s late strikes in the third session helped the Pakistan Shaheens finish the day on a strong note. On the second day of the second four-day match at the DXC Arena in Darwin, Australia, Bangladesh A ended the day at 84-3 in 27 overs, holding a lead of 163 runs when they drew stumps.

Khurram made an early impact with the new ball, dismissing Parvez Hossain Emon for 7 (9 balls, 1 four) in the third over. Bangladesh A was looking to build on their 79-run first-inning lead late on the second day. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (39 not out, 78 balls, 7 fours) and Amite Hasan (25, 61 balls, 4 fours) then added 57 runs for the second wicket before Faisal Akram removed Amite leg-before in the 24th over. Khurram struck again an hour later, dismissing Hasan Murad for a duck. Aich Mollah (8 not out, 7 balls, 2 fours) and Mahmudul will resume batting for Bangladesh A on day three.

Earlier, the Pakistan Shaheens could only add 140 runs to their overnight total of 39-2, eventually being bowled out for 179 in 67.2 overs, trailing by 79 runs.

Omair Bin Yousuf was the first casualty of the day, dismissed by Rejaur Rehman Raja for 7 off 38 balls in the 18th over. Night watchmen Mohammad Ali and Umar Amin then added 30 runs in 13 overs before being dismissed in consecutive overs, leaving Shaheens at 69-5. Tayyab Tahir (30, 73 balls, 3 fours) and Kamran Ghulam then added a crucial 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kamran top-scored with 48 off 75 balls, including eight fours and a six.

At 147-5 in 53.5 overs, Shaheens lost Kamran, Muhammad Irfan Khan (9, 9 balls, 2 fours), and Tayyab within five overs. Khurram’s resistance, which included 16 off 35 balls, ended in the 68th over, and the Shaheens were eventually bowled out for 179.

Ripon Mondol was the standout performer, with a score of a score of 4-71 in 24.2 overs. Rejaur Rehman Raja claimed three wickets, while Hasan Murad (2-32) and Maruf Mridha (1-31) also contributed with the ball.

Scores in Brief:

Bangladesh A Lead by 163 Runs

Bangladesh A: 258 all out in 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)

Bangladesh A: 84-3 in 27 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 39 not out, Amite Hasan 25; Khurram Shahzad 2-30, Faisal Akram 1-9)

Pakistan Shaheens: 179 all out in 67.2 overs

(Kamran Ghulam 48, Tayyab Tahir 30, Umar Amin 25; Ripon Mondol 4-71, Rejaur Rehman Raja 3-33, Hasan Murad 2-32)