Pakistan Shaheens hold firm as second four-day match against Bangladesh 'A' ends in draw

The second four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh 'A' ended in a draw at the Islamabad Club Ground. 

Despite some standout individual performances, neither team could secure a victory as the match concluded with Pakistan Shaheens at 281-4 in their first innings, following Bangladesh 'A' declaring at 404-9.

Bangladesh 'A' batting first, posted an imposing total of 404-9 declared in 112.2 overs. The highlight of the innings was a stellar knock from Jaker Ali, who scored a brilliant 172. Jaker's innings was characterized by his composure and elegant stroke play, anchoring the Bangladesh 'A' innings. 

He was well-supported by Saif Hassan, who notched up a solid 111, forming a crucial partnership with Jaker that set the foundation for the team's formidable total.

Apart from these two, Mahidul Islam Ankon contributed a handy 39, while Shahadat Hossain added 23 runs to further consolidate the innings. 

However, Bangladesh 'A' faced some resistance from Pakistan Shaheens' bowling attack, particularly from leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-103. Ghulam Mudassar and Mehran Mumtaz also played their parts, taking 2 wickets each for 75 and 81 runs, respectively.

In response, Pakistan Shaheens began their innings with determination but found themselves facing a daunting task against a disciplined Bangladesh 'A' bowling attack. Ali Zaryab was the star of the Shaheens' batting lineup, scoring a magnificent 117 runs. 

Sharoon Siraj also played a crucial role with an unbeaten 53, providing stability in the middle order. Saad Khan contributed 37 runs, while Qasim Akram added a quickfire 36 not out, showcasing his all-round capabilities. Kamran Ghulam chipped in with 34 runs before the match was called off due to the limited time left in the game.

The Bangladesh 'A' bowlers, while unable to dismiss the Shaheens' key players, kept the pressure on. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Ruyel Miah each took a wicket, with figures of 1-40, 1-55, and 1-76, respectively.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan Shaheens 281-4, 65 overs (Ali Zaryab 117, Sharoon Siraj 53 not out, Saad Khan 37, Qasim Akram 36 not out, Kamran Ghulam 34; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-40, Taskin Ahmed 1-55, Ruyel Miah 1-76)

Bangladesh 'A' 404-9 dec, 112.2 overs (Jaker Ali 172, Saif Hassan 111, Mahidul Islam Ankon 39, Shahadat Hossain 23; Abrar Ahmed 4-103, Ghulam Mudassar 2-75, Mehran Mumtaz 2-81)