Zaryab ton in vain as four-dayer ends in draw

ISLAMABAD: Ali Zaryab smashed his seventh first-class century as rain-marred Pakistan Shaheens’ four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ ended in a draw on Friday here at Islamabad Club Ground.

The opening two-day play was lost due to rain and a wet outfield. Ali, 25-year-old left-hander from Lahore, retired out after scoring 117 as Shaheens finished the day at 281-4 in 65 overs in reply to Bangladesh ‘A’s 404-9 declared.

The visitors had earlier resumed their first innings on the final day’s morning at 346-6 with Jaker Ali on 136. Jaker was the ninth batter out after scoring 172 off 286 balls with 17 fours and five sixes.

Test spinner Abrar Ahmed picked up all three Bangladesh ‘A’ wickets to fall on the final day to finish with figures of 36-6-103-4. Ali Zaryab’s 132-ball innings was laced with 17 fours and a six. When play ended, Sharoon Siraj and Qasim Akram were at the crease on 53 and 36, respectively. The two sides will now play a three-match 50-over series, which will commence at the Islamabad Club on August 26.

Bangladesh ‘A’ (1st innings) 404-9d, 113.2 overs (Jaker Ali 172, Saif Hasan 111; Abrar Ahmed 4-103, Ghulam Mudassir 2-75, Mehran Mumtaz 2-81). Pakistan Shaheens (1st innings) 281-4, 65 overs (Ali Zaryab 117 retired out, Sharoon Siraj 53 not out, Saad Khan 37, Qasim Akram 36 not out, Kamran Ghulam 34). Player of the match: Jaker Ali (Bangladesh ‘A’).