Saif Hasan, Jaker Ali star with centuries as Bangladesh 'A' declare at 404-9 against Shaheens

Jaker Ali and Saif Hasan made a strong case for Bangladesh selectors with standout centuries on the third day of the second four-day match against Pakistan Shaheens at the Islamabad Club. After rain and a wet outfield delayed the start, the third day saw an extended session where Bangladesh 'A' ended the day at 346 for six in 98 overs.

The highlight of the day was the impressive 131-run partnership between Jaker Ali and Saif Hasan after Bangladesh 'A' found themselves in a precarious position at 77 for four. Saif, who scored a solid 111 from 221 balls, struck 13 boundaries and four sixes before being dismissed by Mehran Mumtaz. 

Jaker, who batted at No.6, played with great patience and skill, remaining unbeaten on 136 off 244 balls, including 14 fours and four sixes. His efforts anchored the Bangladesh 'A' innings, allowing them to declare at 404 for nine after 112.2 overs on the final day. 

Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler for Pakistan Shaheens, taking four wickets for 103 runs. Ghulam Mudassir and Mehran Mumtaz also chipped in with two wickets each, but the hosts struggled to contain the visitors after their early breakthroughs.

Bangladesh 'A' declared their innings at 404-9 with 80 overs left in the day's play, setting the stage for an intriguing final session in this rain-affected match.

Scores in brief:
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)