Pakistan Openers Remain Unbeaten as PCC Select XI Bowled Out for 305

Pakistan’s top-order batsmen concluded day one of their three-day warm-up match against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI at Beckenham without losing a wicket. After bowling out the PCC for 305 runs, Pakistan’s openers Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais finished the day on 26 and 15 not out, respectively.

Fast bowlers Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas were instrumental in the bowling attack, each claiming three wickets. Ali recorded figures of 3 for 23, while Abbas finished with 3 for 37. This match serves as Pakistan’s final preparation ahead of their first Test against England, scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19.

The match was initially set for four days but was shortened to three due to player availability, allowing all 14 squad members to participate. A loud appeal was made for a wicket on the first ball of the day, with Pakistan alleging that England opener Gay had nicked a delivery from Abbas. Gay only lasted until the third over, nicking Abbas to Salman Ali Agha at second slip.

James Rew was dismissed for only 4 runs after being caught behind off Abbas. Haines, showing attacking intent, smashed his way to 50 off just 30 deliveries before succumbing lbw to Ali. The PCC’s response included a notable partnership between Saif Zaib and Falconer, who added 110 runs for the fourth wicket despite some missed chances, including a dropped catch for Falconer when he was on 29.

Both Zaib and Falconer reached the 50-run milestone, but Zaib attempted to hook a delivery from Khurram Shahzad and was caught at the boundary. Falconer eventually fell for 59, caught behind by Muhammad Ghazi Ghori off Abbas. Ali also picked up Noah Thain for a duck, leaving PCC at 217 for 7 at tea.

As the innings neared its conclusion, Aamer Jamal claimed Charlie Tear for 7 runs. Fisher and Sales then put on a resistance, stitching together a 55-run partnership before Sales was dismissed to Ali Usman. Fisher hit a six on his way to a half-century before the innings folded, with Shoaib Bashir out for a duck.

Pakistan faced a minor scare when Imam-ul-Haq was dropped at first slip by Gay after edging Nathan Gilchrist when he was on 14, but that proved to be their only moment of alarm on a day that ended positively.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn