SHARJAH: Both Babar Azam and Haris Sohail made a strong case for selection in the upcoming Tests when they hit hundreds for Pakistan A on the third day of their warm up match against Australians in Sharjah on Friday.
Azam, who turned 20 on Wednesday, was 114 not out with Haris Sohail batting on an unbeaten 103 as Pakistan 'A' reached 306-3 at the close of day’s play to extend their lead to 338, after Australians declared their first innings at their overnight total of 273-8.
Azam, who led Pakistan in the Junior World Cup in Australia in 2012, hit nine boundaries and three sixes in his innings after a half-century opening stand had helped the Pakistani side get off to a solid start. The 20-year-old now has his sights set on the senior side.
“Scoring a hundred is always a great honour and to have done it against a team like Australia is even bigger," said Azam. "It's my aim to score runs and play for Pakistan seniors."
However, it was not all doom and gloom for the Australians as Nathan Lyon, who will spearhead Australia's spin attack in the two-match Test series starting in Dubai from October 22, dismissed Masood and Israrullah off consecutive deliveries to end the day with figures of 2-49.
No other bowler was able to take a wicket though as Shahzad was run out after hitting eight boundaries in his second half-century of the match; a much needed boost for Pakistan's struggling batting line, which saw them lose the preceding three-match ODI series 3-0.
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