Abbas Afridi stars as Pakistan Shaheens thrash Bangladesh ‘A’ in first 50-over match

Bangladesh A struggled against the disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 183 runs in 36 overs

PHOTO: PCB

Pakistan Shaheens secured a commanding victory over Bangladesh A in the first 50-over match, winning by eight wickets and taking 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Abbas Afridi was the standout performer with the ball, claiming five wickets for just 38 runs. Usman Khan and Haseebullah also played crucial roles with the bat, both scoring half-centuries.

The match, held at Islamabad Club on Monday, saw Pakistan Shaheens' captain Mohammad Haris opt to field first after winning the toss.

Bangladesh A struggled against the disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 183 runs in 36 overs.

Chasing 184, Pakistan Shaheens reached the target comfortably in just 27.5 overs, losing only 2 wickets along the way.

Saif Hassan was the top scorer for Bangladesh A, making a brisk 58 runs with 10 fours and 1 six, while Rishad Hossain contributed 40 runs with 4 fours and 2 sixes.

Abbas Afridi's five-wicket haul in 9 overs was instrumental in restricting Bangladesh A. This performance surpassed his previous best in List A cricket, where he had taken 5 wickets for 51 runs in 2018 while playing for Habib Bank against FATA.

Mehran Mumtaz and Jahandad Khan also chipped in, each taking 2 wickets.

During the Pakistan Shaheens' innings, Usman Khan and Haseebullah were the key contributors. Usman Khan scored an impressive 87 runs off 60 balls, hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes. He shared a 129-run partnership for the second wicket with Haseebullah, who remained not out on 73, including 7 fours and 2 sixes.

The next two 50-over matches between the two teams are scheduled for August 28 and August 30.