Shaheens fight back against Bangladesh A

KARACHI: Pakistan Shaheens managed to claw their way back into the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ with late wickets on the second day, but the visitors still hold a commanding lead.

Bangladesh ‘A’ resumed their innings with a first-innings lead of 79 runs and extended their advantage to 163 runs before stumps on day two. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (39 not out) and Amite Hasan (25) put on a solid partnership, but Khurram Shahzad’s double strike, dismissing Amite and Hasan Murad, breathed new life into the Shaheens’ bowling attack.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens could only add 140 runs to their overnight total of 39-2 before getting bowled out for 179 in 67.2 overs with a 79-run deficit. Omair Bin Yousuf was the first causality of the day two when Rejaur Rehman Raja removed him for just seven off 38 balls in the 18th over.

For the next 13 overs, nightwatchman Mohammad Ali and Umar Amin added 30 runs before they both were dismissed in back to back overs with Shaheens in a spot of bother at 69-5. At this point, Tayyab Tahir (30, 73b, 3x4s) and Kamran Ghulam joined forces to stitch a healthy 78-run sixth-wicket partnership off 137 balls. Kamran top scored with 48 off 75 balls, hitting eight fours and one six.

With Shaheens 147-5 in 53.5 overs, Bangladesh A shot their way back in the game by dismissing Kamran, Muhammad Irfan Khan (9, 9b, 2x4s) and Tayyab, all within five overs. Khurram’s slight resistance which included 16 off 35 balls came to an end in the 68th over as Shaheens were bowled out for 179.

Scores in brief

Bangladesh A lead by 163 runs

Bangladesh A first innings 258 all out, 67.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 69, Aich Mollah 55, Mahidul Islam Ankon 31, Parvez Hossain Emon 30; Khurram Shahzad 3-69, Kamran Ghulam 2-6, Kashif Ali 2-21.