ISLAMABAD: The second four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangla­desh ‘A’ ended in a predictable stalemate as rain and wet conditions curtailed play, culminating in a draw here at the Islamabad Club on Friday.

The two teams will now shift focus to a three-match 50-over series, starting on Aug 26 at the same venue.

After losing the opening two days to inclement weather, the match was always headed for a draw. Bangladesh ‘A’ decl­ared their first innings at 404/9, with Jaker Ali top-scoring with 172.

Mystery spinner Abr­ar Ahmed claimed all three wickets of the day, finishing with figures of 4-103 for Shaheens.

In response, Ali Zar­yab stroked his seventh first-class century, retiring out on 117. His 132-ball innings inclu­ded 17 fours and a six. Shah­eens finished the day at 281 for the loss of four wickets in 65 overs, with Sharoon Siraj (53 not out) and Qasim Akr­am (36 not out) at the crease.

Earlier, Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed on a first ball duck off the bowling of pacer Taskin Ahmed.

Scores in brief:

Bangladesh ‘A’: 404 for nine decl (Jaker Ali 172, Saif Hasan 111; Abrar Ahmed 4-103); Pakistan Shaheens: 281 for four (Ali Zaryab 117, Sharoon Siraj 53 not out).

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2024