Iftikhar Ahmed hits 48-ball ton during intra-squad practice match

Pakistan’s middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed made a big splash after hitting an unbeaten 102-run knock off just 48 balls in the first intra-squad practice match that consisted of players from the national team’s senior side on Monday.

On the other hand, batsman Abdullah Shafique managed 38 runs while batsman Hussain Talat made 24 runs.

In the bowling department, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf picked up two wickets while fast-bowlers Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hasnain picked up one wicket each.

Only the batsmen could bat during the intra-squad match whereas the bowlers were asked to bowl in various match-like situations to better prepare them for the challenges ahead.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Shaheens depart for Whangarei, Imamul Haq joins senior team

Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam could not take part in the proceedings due to a fractured thumb, because of which the prolific batsman has been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand.

The Pakistan side will face New Zealand in the upcoming three-match T20I series which will be played on December 18, 20 and 22 in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier, respectively.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is:

Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Musa Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir and Wahab Riaz. Babar Azam (withdrawn due to injury)