CANTERBURY – The three-day fixture between Pakistan Shaheens and the combined side of South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) and MCC Young Cricketers XI ended in a draw at Canterbury, but not without some standout performances, particularly from middle-order batter Ali Zaryab, who scored an unbeaten century.
Resuming play on the final day, Pakistan Shaheens declared their second innings at 196 for 2, setting up a sporting conclusion to the match. The innings was anchored by Ali Zaryab, who played a composed and elegant knock of 100 not out, featuring 8 fours and 1 six.Opening batter Azan Awais was dismissed early for 5, but the innings was stabilized by a strong 142-run partnership between Zaryab and Shahmal Hussain, who contributed a valuable 70 runs with 9 boundaries and 1 six before getting out. Mohammad Suleman remained unbeaten on 16 at the time of declaration.
Earlier in the match, the home side began day 2 at 183 for 6 in their first innings and eventually posted a total of 278, handing Pakistan Shaheens a 107-run lead based on their own first innings total.Feroze Khushi was the standout performer for the host team with a resilient 90 not out, decorated with 8 boundaries and a six, while Stuart van der Merwe chipped in with 41. For the visitors, off-spinner Mubasir Khan was the pick of the bowlers with a tidy return of 3 wickets for 59 runs. Mehran Mumtaz and Musa Khan also impressed, claiming two wickets each to keep the opposition in check.
Despite the draw, the match offered several positives for the Pakistan Shaheens camp, including the consistency of their top-order batters and the effectiveness of their spin and pace attack. The century by Ali Zaryab adds to his growing credentials as a dependable batter in longer formats, while the Shaheens’ ability to post big partnerships under pressure will boost the squad’s morale ahead of tougher fixtures in the England tour.