Batsmen show signs of resurgence
Younus hits ton against UAE; Masood and Shahzad shine for Pakistan A .
It was an encouraging day for Pakistan yesterday as the batsmen put up impressive performances in both the practice matches against the UAE and South Africa. PHOTO: FILE AFP
KARACHI:
Pakistan have lost four out of five Test matches this year, including the loss in Harare to Zimbabwe in their last game.
With their bowling doing reasonably well, the batting has been dubbed as the reason for the decline.
However, with a stern test coming up against top ranked Test side, South Africa, Pakistan’s batting line-up including probables for the top order put up an improved show in the warm up games.
Battling the hot and humid conditions, Younus Khan scored a century on the opening day of Pakistan’s two-day game against the UAE. On the other hand, openers Shan Masood and Ahmed Shahzad – probables for the remaining three slots for the 15-man squad – hit half-centuries for Pakistan A on the second day of the three-day tour match against South Africa in Sharjah.
Younus, Adnan excel for Pakistan
The former captain led the Pakistan innings against the UAE with an unconquered 103-run knock, steering his side to a total of 317 for nine.
Apart from Younus, wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal also displayed good form, hitting 71 before retiring. Captain Misbahul Haq was run out for 27 while Abdur Rehman chipped in with 52 runs, down the order as the rest of batsmen fell without any significant contributions.
However, in-form opener Khurram Manzoor had a disappointing day, making one and 26 runs respectively in his two stints at the crease.
Masood, Shahzad and Azhar inspire Pakistan A to 230-4
Masood and Shahzad, the aspiring openers for the upcoming two-match Test series were impressive as Pakistan A scored 230 for four — giving a solid reply to South Africa after they declared their innings on 354 for eight.
Resuming the penultimate’s day on 332 for five, the tourists played 8.3 overs before the hosts started their innings.
The fearsome South African pace attack comprising Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander experienced a tough day against the defiant Pakistan A batsmen.
Both the openers compiled 101 for the opening wicket before Shahzad was dismissed by Robin Petersen. The Lahore batsman scored a commendable 66 from 105 deliveries, smashing ten boundaries.
Masood retired after scoring 50 off 140 deliveries, laced with four boundaries.
Azhar Ali also gained confidence with an innings of 54 before retiring after facing 109 balls.
Asad Shafiq, not named in the 12-player squad announced earlier for the series, also batted well and remained unbeaten on 32 along with captain Umar Amin, who was unbeaten on 10.
Faisal Iqbal, however struggled and was snapped up by Morkel on ten.
The duo of Steyn and Philander remained wicket-less after bowling 13 and 11 overs respectively.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2013.
Pakistan have lost four out of five Test matches this year, including the loss in Harare to Zimbabwe in their last game.
With their bowling doing reasonably well, the batting has been dubbed as the reason for the decline.
However, with a stern test coming up against top ranked Test side, South Africa, Pakistan’s batting line-up including probables for the top order put up an improved show in the warm up games.
Battling the hot and humid conditions, Younus Khan scored a century on the opening day of Pakistan’s two-day game against the UAE. On the other hand, openers Shan Masood and Ahmed Shahzad – probables for the remaining three slots for the 15-man squad – hit half-centuries for Pakistan A on the second day of the three-day tour match against South Africa in Sharjah.
Younus, Adnan excel for Pakistan
The former captain led the Pakistan innings against the UAE with an unconquered 103-run knock, steering his side to a total of 317 for nine.
Apart from Younus, wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal also displayed good form, hitting 71 before retiring. Captain Misbahul Haq was run out for 27 while Abdur Rehman chipped in with 52 runs, down the order as the rest of batsmen fell without any significant contributions.
However, in-form opener Khurram Manzoor had a disappointing day, making one and 26 runs respectively in his two stints at the crease.
Masood, Shahzad and Azhar inspire Pakistan A to 230-4
Masood and Shahzad, the aspiring openers for the upcoming two-match Test series were impressive as Pakistan A scored 230 for four — giving a solid reply to South Africa after they declared their innings on 354 for eight.
Resuming the penultimate’s day on 332 for five, the tourists played 8.3 overs before the hosts started their innings.
The fearsome South African pace attack comprising Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander experienced a tough day against the defiant Pakistan A batsmen.
Both the openers compiled 101 for the opening wicket before Shahzad was dismissed by Robin Petersen. The Lahore batsman scored a commendable 66 from 105 deliveries, smashing ten boundaries.
Masood retired after scoring 50 off 140 deliveries, laced with four boundaries.
Azhar Ali also gained confidence with an innings of 54 before retiring after facing 109 balls.
Asad Shafiq, not named in the 12-player squad announced earlier for the series, also batted well and remained unbeaten on 32 along with captain Umar Amin, who was unbeaten on 10.
Faisal Iqbal, however struggled and was snapped up by Morkel on ten.
The duo of Steyn and Philander remained wicket-less after bowling 13 and 11 overs respectively.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2013.