Pakistan Shaheens achieved a commanding triumph of 184 runs over UAE A during the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The match took place at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo on July 17, showcasing an impressive performance by the Shaheens.
The star of the game was Qasim Akram, who exhibited remarkable skill with his right-arm off-spin bowling, claiming a sensational six-wicket haul. Sufiyan Muqeem, a left-arm wrist spinner, also made a notable contribution by taking three wickets.
Although UAE A’s opening batsmen, Aryansh Sharma and Jonathan Figy, started off decently with a partnership of 59 runs, they encountered difficulties thereafter. Only Nilansh Keswani and Ethan D’Souza managed to reach double figures, leaving UAE A struggling to make an impact.
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Having been asked to bat first, Pakistan Shaheens got off to a strong start with Saim and Sahibzada forming an excellent opening partnership, adding 98 runs to the scoreboard. Sahibzada played a brilliant innings, scoring 63 runs off 55 balls, including 10 fours and one six.
Saim displayed his batting prowess as well, contributing a quick-fire 56 runs off 63 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. After their dismissals, Omair Bin Yousuf added 24 runs before being sent back to the pavilion.
The fourth-wicket partnership between Kamran Ghulam (63) and skipper Mohammad Haris (55) further bolstered Shaheens’ total. However, the late middle-order struggled to make significant contributions, leading to Shaheens being eventually bowled out for 309 runs in 49.2 overs, losing five wickets for 24 runs.
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UAE A’s Jash Giyanani emerged as their standout bowler, taking four wickets for 50 runs in his 10 overs. This victory marks Pakistan Shaheens’ second consecutive win in the tournament, following their triumph over Nepal by four wickets in the previous match.
Up next, Pakistan Shaheens will clash with India A on July 19 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, promising an exciting encounter between the two teams.
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