Huraira makes strong statement for Test debut

ISLAMABAD: Talented Muhammad Huraira (80) Sunday staked his claim of inclusion in the Playing XI by playing yet another exciting knock in the three-day warm-up match against West Indies that ended in a draw at the Islamabad Club Ground Sunday.

Pakistan Shaheens closed the day and the match at 128-2 in 30 overs chasing 312 for a win. West Indies Test squad will now travel to Multan today (Monday) where the first of the two Tests will begin on Friday, January 17.

Opening batter Mohammad Huraira, who is also part of Pakistan’s Test squad for the West Indies series, again showcased his batting skills with a run-a-ball 80, which included 12 fours and two sixes.

Huraira backed up his 73-ball 74 from Saturday with the second innings half-century, which also included an 82-run opening partnership with Omair Bin Yousuf (25) and 37-run second-wicket stand with Saad Khan (19 not out).

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Shaheens had declared their first innings on their overnight score of 212-9, conceding a 134-run lead. West Indies batted for 40 overs in their second innings scoring 177-5 before declaration call came, setting the Shaheens a 312-run target.

After West Indies slipped to 25-3 and 73-5 in their second innings, No.5 batter, Alick Athanaze (58 not out) and No.7 batter, Tevin Imlach (57 not out) stitched an unbeaten 104-run stand for the sixth wicket. For Shaheens, Musa Khan returned figures of 2-5 in five overs, while Ali Raza also picked up two wickets for 32 runs in eight overs, including dismissing Amir Jangoo for a golden duck.

Scores in brief: West Indies 346-8 dec, 90 overs (Alick Athanaze 99, Amir Jangoo 63, Kraigg Brathwaite 34, Mikyle Louis 34, Kevin Sinclair 28 not out, Joshua Da Silva 22, Keacy Carty 22; Mohammad Rameez Jnr 3-64, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-91) and 177-5 dec, 40 overs (Alick Athanaze 58 not out, Tevin Imlach 57 not out, Kavem Hodge 36; Musa Khan 2-5, Ali Raza 2-32).