Shehzad and Faisal drive Pakistan
A strong, disciplined batting performance ensured Pakistan A took the honours against Sri Lanka A on the opening day at the R Premadasa Stadium
Cricinfo staff
13-Aug-2009
A strong, disciplined batting performance ensured Pakistan A took the honours against Sri Lanka A on the opening day of the second unofficial Test at the R Premadasa Stadium. While Ahmed Shehzad was unlucky to miss out on a well-deserved century, captain Faisal Iqbal hit a commanding, unbeaten 76 to take the visitors through to stumps.
Choosing to bat, Pakistan A lost Umar Amin in the eight over, caught by Malinda Warnapura off Sajeewa Weerakoon for 11. That set the platform for his opening partner Khurram Manzoor, and Shehzad, to post a second-wicket partnership of 98. Even as Manzoor departed, Shehzad showed great determination and a 43-run stand soon flourished with Azhar Ali.
Shehzad's emphatic effort, comprising 13 fours and three sixes, was finally ended by Muthumudalige Pushpakumara. The home side looked to have hit back with Azhar Ali's run-out soon after, with the score on 183, only for the Iqbals, Faisal and Fahad, to combine for a 111-run stand to lift Pakistan A. While Fahad stroked a gritty 37, Faisal's fifty was studded with nine boundaries.
