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Saud, Rizwan, Salman score half-centuries against Victoria XI

By Our Correspondent
December 23, 2023

LAHORE: Pakistan posted 323 for eight in 78.4 overs on the opening day of their two-day practice match against Victoria XI at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.

Pakistan had a promising 47-run opening stand between Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique. However, Abdullah’s innings was cut short at 26 runs, caught off Sam Elliot’s bowling. Soon after, Imam-ul-Haq departed at 37, and Pakistan entered the lunch break at 95-2.

Pakistani batter Saud Shakeel plays a shot during the practice match against Victoria XI in Melbourne on December 22, 2023. — PCB
Pakistani batter Saud Shakeel plays a shot during the practice match against Victoria XI in Melbourne on December 22, 2023. — PCB

Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan then took charge, both retiring after scoring half-centuries. Saud Shakeel’s composed innings of 70 runs (retired) came off 87 balls, adorned with nine boundaries. Rizwan contributed a well-crafted 50 runs (retired) from 70 deliveries, featuring six fours and a six.

Salman Ali Agha further bolstered Pakistan’s innings with a fluent 51, including six boundaries and two sixes, before he fell to Doug Warren. In response, Victoria XI faced an early blow as Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed opening batter Will Pucovski in the first over.