Sharjeel has hit form just at the right time as he is now in contention for the ODI series. PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES
KARACHI: Opener Sharjeel Khan, who struggled initially on Pakistan A’s tour of England, has finally hit his stride as he followed up his 90-run knock against Sri Lanka A with a superb counter-attacking century against England Lions at the College Ground in Cheltenham, UK.
The left-hander smashed a 101-ball 125, which was studded with seven sixes and 12 boundaries, as he helped Pakistan to 244 all out in 46 overs.
His knock was made even more special considering the context of the match as Pakistan A lost three wickets in the space of 11 balls, going from 38-0 to 39-3.
Instead of getting bogged down, Sharjeel kept playing his natural game and was well supported by Mohammad Nawaz (35) and Umar Siddiq (33 not out).
Tom Curran was the pick of the bowlers for England as he took four wickets, while Test bowler Mark Wood claimed three scalps as he continues his comeback from injury.
Despite Sharjeel’s knock, the hosts cruised to victory thanks largely to a superb Ben Duckett century.
On Monday, Pakistan A had defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets courtesy of a 155-run opening stand between Sharjeel and Fakhar Zaman, while Mohammad Asghar claimed four wickets.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 199 in 37.5 overs as they failed to tackle the left-arm spin of Asghar.
In reply, Pakistan A raced to 200 in 33.5 overs as Sharjeel slammed a 74-ball 90, while Fakhar made 74 off 77 balls.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has said the decision to send the A team on foreign tours is already paying dividend.
“This A tour of England has been pretty good for Pakistan, as several players have performed and they will now be high on confidence,” Latif told The Express Tribune. “It’s good Sharjeel has performed but it hasn’t been all about one player and everyone has chipped in with decent performances. The resumption of A tours will help local players minimise the gap of moving from domestic to international cricket.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2016.
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