The Pakistan Shaheens commenced their Darwin tour with a commanding performance on the opening day of their four-day match against Bangladesh A, thanks largely to an outstanding innings by Mohammad Huraira.
Electing to bat first, the Shaheens amassed a formidable total of 375-2, leaving the Bangladeshi bowlers struggling to find answers. Huraira, opening the innings alongside captain Sahibzada Farhan, laid a solid foundation with an impressive 134-run partnership.
Farhan was in fine form, scoring 66 runs off 83 balls, including 10 boundaries, before being dismissed by Ripon Mondol. Following Farhan’s departure, Umer Amir contributed a valuable 54 runs from 77 deliveries, decorated with eight boundaries, before he too fell to Mondol.
Huraira continued his aggressive approach, dominating the Bangladeshi attack and maintaining a brisk strike rate. He forged a crucial partnership with Kamran Ghulam after the early dismissals of Farhan and Amir. At the close of play, Huraira remained unbeaten on 161 runs off 203 balls, featuring 19 boundaries. Ghulam provided solid support with 74 runs from 114 deliveries, including 11 boundaries.
The Pakistan Shaheens ended the day firmly in control, setting a formidable target for Bangladesh A to chase in the coming days.
Squads
Pakistan Shaheens: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin.
Bangladesh A: Mahmudul Hasan Joy (captain), Aich Mollah, Amite Hasan, Ariful Islam, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Maruf Mridha, Md Mukidul Islam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rakibul Hasan, Rezaur Rehman Raja, Ripon Mondol, Sahadat Hossain Dipu, Shadaman Islam, Sk Pervez Rahman Jobon.
Schedule (All Matches in Darwin)
– 19-22 Jul: Four-day vs Bangladesh A
– 26-29 Jul: Four-day vs Bangladesh A
– 4 Aug: 50-over match vs Northern Territory (NT)
– 6 Aug: 50-over match vs Bangladesh A
– 9-18 Aug: Nine-team Top End T20 Series
