The Pakistan Shaheens kicked off their four-day match against Bangladesh A with a dominating performance, thanks to Mohammad Huraira’s unbeaten century.
The match in Darwin saw the Pakistan Shaheens build a solid foundation on Day 1 after being asked to bat first on Friday, July 19.
Opening batters Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Huraira forged an impressive 134-run partnership, giving Pakistan a solid start. Skipper Sahibzada Farhan contributed 66 runs from 83 deliveries, hitting 10 boundaries before being dismissed by Ripon Mondol.
Umar Amin further strengthened the innings with a brilliant knock of 54 runs off 77 deliveries, which included eight boundaries.
Ripon Mondol was the standout bowler for Bangladesh A, taking wickets of both dominating batters.
By the end of Day 1, Pakistan Shaheens were at a commanding 375 for 2. Mohammad Huraira led from the front with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 161 runs from 203 deliveries, which included 18 fours and one six.
Kamran Ghulam also reached fifty, ending the day with 74 runs off 114 balls, including 11 boundaries.
The four-day match marks the first meeting between the development sides of Pakistan and Bangladesh since 2008. Sixteen years ago, the Pakistan Academy team toured Bangladesh and won both matches by eight wickets against the Bangladesh Academy side.
After the opening match, the series will continue with the second match starting on Friday, July 26, followed by two One-Day matches on August 4 and 6, and the nine-team Top End T20 series from August 9-18.
Pakistan Shaheens squad: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir and Umar Amin.
Bangladesh ‘A’ squad: Mahmudul Hasan Joy (captain), Aich Mollah, Amite Hasan, Ariful Islam, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Maruf Mridha, Md Mukidul Islam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rakibul Hasan, Rezaur Rehman Raja, Ripon Mondal, Sahadat Hossain Dipu, Shadaman Islam, Sk Pervez Rahman Jobon
Reflecting on his marathon innings, Huraira shared insights into his approach and the team’s strategy.
“I batted the whole day, and our fitness camps and off-season training came in handy. The weather was not that severe. Wickets fell intermittently from the other end, so I tried to bat deep,” Huraira said.
“The team’s plan was simple: to see off the new ball and then attack later when conditions eased out. Bangladesh’s bowlers bowled some good spells on and off, but we tried not to play many dots and take singles on good balls as well and convert bad balls into boundaries,” he added.
Gavaskar disapproves bowlers’ hydration practices
Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has openly criticized the contemporary habit of bowlers taking refreshments at the boundary line.
In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar expressed his disapproval of bowlers drinking water or eating outside the designated drinks breaks, a practice he believes undermines the traditional structure and endurance aspect of cricket.
Gavaskar pointed out that bowlers often finish their overs, refresh themselves with drinks at the boundary, and then resume fielding, a habit that authorities have seemingly overlooked.
“In cricket, the modern practice of bowlers, especially the quick ones, getting a refreshing drink on the boundary line where they go to field after completing their over is an example of the authorities turning a blind eye to the practice,” Gavaskar wrote.
Why have the drinks interval then if bowlers are going to get themselves hydrated after going flat out for six deliveries? Mind you, the batter doesn’t get the chance to have a drink after an over where they may have taken eight runs or so, which are all runs,” he added.
He emphasized that cricket is a game where stamina and endurance are crucial, regardless of the format. Gavaskar called for a return to the days when drinks were only taken after every hour of play, and any deviations required the permission of the opposition captain and umpires.
