ISLAMABAD: A standout five-wicket performance by fast bowler Abbas Afridi and impressive half-centuries from Haseebullah and Usman Khan led Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding eight-wicket win over Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first one-day match at Islamabad Club on Monday.
This victory puts the Shaheens ahead 1-0 in the three-match series, with the second game scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan Shaheens dismissed Bangladesh ‘A’ for a modest 183 runs in 36 overs. Abbas Afridi was the standout performer, claiming 5 wickets for 38 runs in his 9-over spell. This marks his second five-wicket haul in 22 List-A matches, earning him the player of the match accolade. Support came from left-arm pacer Jahandad Khan, who took 2 wickets for 51 runs, and left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz, who added 2 wickets for 29 runs.
Saif Hassan was the top scorer for Bangladesh ‘A’ with 58 off 47 balls, including ten fours and a six. Rishad Hossain provided further resistance, scoring 40 off 37 balls with four fours and two sixes.
Pakistan Shaheens chased down the target in just 27.5 overs, driven by a 129-run partnership between Haseebullah and Usman Khan for the second wicket. Haseebullah remained unbeaten on 73 off 81 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. Usman Khan fell 13 runs short of a List-A century, scoring 87 off 60 balls with eight boundaries and five sixes. Omair Bin Yousuf also contributed an unbeaten 14 off 19 balls, forming a crucial 42-run partnership with Haseebullah.
For Bangladesh ‘A’, Mahidi Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain took one wicket each.
Scores in Brief:
- Bangladesh ‘A’: 183 in 36 overs (Saif Hassan 58, Rishad Hossain 40; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 5-38, Mehran Mumtaz 2-29, Jahandad Khan 2-51)
- Pakistan Shaheens: 184-2 in 27.5 overs (Usman Khan 87, Haseebullah 73 not out; Mosaddek Hossain 1-15, Mahedi Hasan 1-19)
