ISLAMABAD: Jaker Ali and Saif Hassan struck impressive centuries against Pakistan Shaheens on the penultimate day of the second four-day match here at the Islamabad Club on Thursday.

Play on the first two days could not be held due to rain. Shaheens captain Kamran Ghulam won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Jaker was at the crease on 136 and Saif was dismissed after scoring 111 as Bangladesh ‘A’ reached 346 for six off 98 overs on an extended day’s play.

The two batters had joined hands at the score of 77 for four and were separated after adding 131 runs for the fifth wicket.

The partnership ended when Saif, who had come in to bat number three, became Mehran Mumtaz’s second victim after hitting a 221-ball 111 that included 13 fours and four sixes.

Jaker, batting at number six, carried on and is unbeaten on a 244-ball 136 studded with 14 fours and four sixes.

Mehran’s other scalp was Shahadat Hossain (23) whose departure left Bangladesh ‘A’ reeling at 74 for three, which soon became 77 for four when mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed picked up the wicket of Towhid Hridoy (0). Abrar finished the day with figures of 30-6-85-1.

Shaheens’ fast bowler Ghulam Mudassir dismissed both the openers, captain Anamul Haque (seven) and Mohammad Naim (nine), to finish the day with figures of 13-0-59-2.

Scores in brief:

BANGLADESH ‘A’ 346 for six (Jaker Ali 136 not out, Saif Hassan 111, Mahidul Islam; Ghulam Mudassar 2-59, Mehran Mumtaz 2-69).

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2024