Pakistan Shaheens to Face Professional County Club Select XI in Second One-Day Match

BECKENHAM: In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan Shaheens secured a narrow one-run victory over Professional County Club Select XI in the first one-day match held at The County Ground on Tuesday. Maaz Sadaqat’s impressive three-wicket haul, combined with outstanding half-centuries from Mubasir Khan and captain Saud Shakeel, propelled the Shaheens to success.

The match, shortened to 28 overs per side, saw Professional County Club Select XI post a total of 187 before being bowled out in the final over.

Opener Will Smeed spearheaded their innings, scoring a rapid 84 off 62 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes. Smeed also formed crucial partnerships with Hamza Shaikh and Ollie Sykes, who added 44 and 28 runs, respectively.

Maaz Sadaqat stood out as the top bowler for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming three wickets for 28 runs in 4.4 overs. Saud Shakeel and Faisal Akram supported him well, each taking two wickets, while Mir Hamza and Ubaid Shah contributed with one scalp each.

Chasing a revised target of 204, Pakistan Shaheens reached the target with five wickets down and one ball remaining.

Skipper Shakeel led the charge with an undefeated 72 off 72 deliveries, hitting four boundaries. Mubasir Khan also made a significant contribution, smashing 71 off 56 balls, including five fours and three sixes.

Shahid Aziz provided the finishing touches with a quickfire 21 not out off 11 balls, which included two boundaries and a six.

Tom Lawes spearheaded the bowling attack for Professional County Club Select XI, taking two wickets. Mitch Stanley, Scott Currie, and Dan Douthwaite each managed to secure one wicket.

With Pakistan Shaheens leading the three-match series 1-0, the second one-day match against Professional County Club Select XI is scheduled for Friday at the same venue.