In a captivating encounter at The County Ground, the Pakistan Shaheens narrowly defeated the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI by a single run in the first one-day match. This victory was largely attributed to Maaz Sadaqat’s three-wicket haul and impactful half-centuries from Haider Ali and captain Saud Shakeel.
The match, shortened to 28 overs per side due to rain, saw the Professional County Club Select XI post a total of 187 runs before being bowled out in the final over. Their innings was anchored by opening batter Will Smeed, who top-scored with a quickfire 84 off 62 deliveries, featuring twelve boundaries and two sixes. Smeed also formed crucial partnerships with Hamza Shaikh and Ollie Sykes, who contributed significantly with scores of 44 and 28, respectively.
Maaz Sadaqat was the standout bowler for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming three wickets for just 28 runs in 4.4 overs. He was supported by Saud Shakeel and Faisal Akram, who each took two wickets, while Mir Hamza and Ubaid Shah secured one scalp apiece.
Chasing a revised target of 204, the Pakistan Shaheens successfully reached the winning runs with five wickets down and a ball to spare. Captain Saud Shakeel led the chase with an unbeaten 72 runs off an equal number of deliveries, including four boundaries. Haider Ali provided strong support, smashing 71 runs off 56 balls, decorated with five fours and three sixes. Shahid Aziz put the finishing touches on the run chase with an unbeaten cameo of 21 runs from just 11 deliveries, featuring two boundaries and a six.
For the Professional County Club Select XI, Tom Lawes led their bowling attack with two wickets, while Mitch Stanley, Scott Currie, and Dan Douthwaite each picked up one wicket.
With this nail-biting win, the Pakistan Shaheens now lead the three-match series 1-0. The second one-day match between the two sides is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Friday.
