Batting practice for Pakistan in draw

Pakistan seemed content with batting practice in their tour match against Kent as they tourists racked up 264 for four in their second innings before giving the hosts an improbable 366 to chase on the final afternoon in Canterbury.

Pakistan’s second-innings total was largely indebted to Umar Amin and Fawad Alam’s 141-run second wicket partnership. Amin showed glimpses of his talent with a valiant 73 while Alam retired out after a 140-ball 68 to give the other players a chance to get some batting practice.

Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Aamer - promoted ahead of Umar Akmal - put on an aggressive show as the team looked for quick runs before declaring with a 300-plus lead.

Malik took 58 balls for his 48 while Aamer proved to be the more entertaining partner with a quick 44 laced with four sixes as Pakistan declared at 264.

With less than 30 overs possible, Kent’s opener blazed away to his half-century before being dismissed by Abdur Rehman as the match headed for a draw. Malik then showed some magic with the ball as he claimed two wickets as Kent ended the day at 150 for three after 28 overs.

Pakistan play another tour match against Northamptonshire on Saturday before taking on Australia in back-to-back Twenty20s in Birmingham.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2010.