Abbottabad training camp: Malik, Kamran shine in practice match

Batsmen score half-centuries as preparations for mega event continue.

ABBOTABAD: Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal scored impressive half-centuries in a target practice match organised by the team management, as the national team continues to prepare for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy to be held in England. 

The coaches executed a single innings match in which the top batting line-up was set a target of 230 runs in 50 overs to achieve against its own bowling attack.

The upper-order, including Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat and Misbahul Haq, were sent packing soon without putting up any sizeable scores except for Nasir Jamshed, who managed 30 runs.

However, Malik (92) and Akmal (66) showed fine form, scoring free-flowing fifties as the team management decided to wrap up the innings at a score of 217 for seven in 47 overs. Junaid Khan picked up three wickets, while Wahab Riaz snapped a brace.

Meanwhile, the team management continued to sharpen the batting skills of the tail-enders as they held a net session for the bowlers after the match.

The players are expected to get light practice session today in what will be the last day of the training camp in Abbottabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2013.