Pakistan dominates first day of warm-up match against SLC Board XI

Hambantota: Pakistan took control of the proceedings on the opening day of the two-day warm-up match against SLC Board XI on Tuesday.

The Pakistani bowlers put up an impressive performance, dismissing the SLC Board XI for a total of 196 runs.

In response, Pakistan's opening batsmen, Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique, made the most of their team's strong bowling display and provided a solid start to their innings. Imam ul Haq played a patient knock, scoring 36 runs off 75 deliveries, while Abdullah Shafique contributed with 25 runs off 44 balls. However, it was Shan Masood who stole the show with his aggressive intent, smashing a quick-fire 83 runs off just 66 balls. His attacking approach put the Sri Lankan bowlers under immense pressure and helped Pakistan score runs at a brisk pace.

.@shani_official made 83 off 66 balls on the first day of the two-day practice match against SLC Board XI ?#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/M7UInZMKYF

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 11, 2023

At the end of the day's play, after 35 overs, Pakistan had reached a score of 160/3. Babar Azam was unbeaten on 14* (33) while Saud Shakeel was yet to open his account. The Pakistani batsmen showed resilience and determination, ensuring that their team ended the day in a strong position.

Earlier in the day, Shaheen Shah Afridi, making his return to Test cricket after a year, led the bowling attack for Pakistan. Both Hassan Ali and Shaheen picked up three wickets each, while Oshada Fernando played a gritty innings to help the SLC Board XI reach a respectable total. Facing a formidable bowling attack, Fernando showcased excellent resilience and technique, eventually reaching a well-deserved century.

Aamer Jamal provided a breakthrough for Pakistan by dismissing the centurion Oshada Fernando for 109. Jamal and spinner Abrar Ahmed contributed with two wickets each.

Both teams have the freedom to utilize all members of their squads during the match.

The Test tour of Sri Lanka consists of two matches scheduled as follows:

16-20 July: First Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium

24-28 July: Second Test at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo

Pakistan Squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood

SLC Board Squad:

Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Oshada Fernando, Sadun Weerakkody, Kamindu Mendis (c), Ahan Wickremasinghe, Nipun Dananjaya, Nuwanidu Fernando, Lakshitha Marnasinghe, Praveen Jayawickreme, Shashika Dulshan, Kavishka Anjula, Milan Ratnayake, Asanka Manoj, Mohammed Shiraz