Pakistan cricketer, Umar Amin’s exceptional 177-run innings was the highlight of the first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A, which concluded in a draw at the Islamabad Club Ground. The match was halted on Day 4 due to bad light, but Amin’s stellar performance had already set the tone for Pakistan Shaheens' dominance.

Pakistan Shaheens declared their first innings at 367-4, establishing a commanding 245-run lead. Amin’s marathon innings, which included 23 boundaries and three sixes, was marked by a perfect blend of patience and aggression. 

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Amin reflected on his approach during the innings.

“The strategy was quite simple. The plan was to get in. Once you're set, the mindset is always to play the longest innings possible. In this innings, too, the exact same mindset was there. It was a bit challenging due to the heat and humidity, so it was slightly difficult in that regard, but otherwise, once I was set, I tried to play my natural game, play all my strokes, and that’s exactly what led to my success,” Amin said.

Bangladesh A, in response, was bowled out for 122 runs in their first innings on the opening day, courtesy of impressive performances by fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza. Forced to follow on, Bangladesh A faced an uphill battle in their second innings. Despite a cautious start, they were under pressure from the disciplined Shaheens' bowling attack. By the end of the final session on Day 4, Bangladesh A was struggling at 153-5 in 39.2 overs, trailing by 92 runs when play was halted due to bad light.

For Pakistan Shaheens, Mir Hamza and Mohammad Ali were instrumental in keeping the pressure on, with Hamza taking 2-13 and Ali 2-34. However, the match ended in a draw, with Nayeem Hasan's resilient 55 and Zakir Hasan’s 33 helping Bangladesh A hold on.