Saud Shakeel discusses leadership role and fitness challenges after first four-day clash against Bangladesh 'A'

Pakistan Shaheens skipper and newly appointed vice-captain of the national Test team, Saud Shakeel, has offered insights into his evolving role as a leader and the team's preparation for crucial upcoming series against Bangladesh.

"I have always enjoyed captaincy, and I am honored that I am given the responsibility of being the vice-captain of the Pakistan Test side," Saud Shakeel remarked. 

The left-handed middle-order batsman emphasized his commitment to the team’s success, noting that his performances are always geared towards the collective good.

"I have always tried to ensure that the runs I score benefit the team's cause," he said.

Saud, who has been at the helm of the Pakistan Shaheens, has shown great promise in nurturing young talent and building a resilient team culture. 

In response to questions about the team's recent fitness challenges, Saud was candid in his assessment.

"To be honest, the fitness levels of some of our players went down in the last couple of months, and they accepted it too," he stated. 

He acknowledged that maintaining peak physical condition is crucial for competing at the highest level, especially in the demanding format of Test cricket.

"We're currently working hard on our fitness levels, and we are hoping to make it better in the future as well," he concluded. 

The first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh 'A' at the Islamabad Club Ground ended in a draw after Day 4's play was halted due to bad light. Pakistan Shaheens had declared at 367-4 in their first innings, securing a strong lead of 245 runs. 

Bangladesh 'A' began their second innings cautiously, but early losses, including Anamul Haque for 4 runs, put them under pressure. By tea on Day 4, they were 42-1 in 12 overs, trailing by 203 runs, with Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque at the crease. As the third session progressed, Bangladesh 'A' struggled against Pakistan Shaheens' disciplined bowling, losing wickets rapidly and finding themselves at 77-4. 

Despite Nayeem Hasan's resilient 55 and Zakir Hasan's 33, Bangladesh 'A' reached 153-5 in 39.2 overs when play was halted. Key performers for Pakistan Shaheens included Mir Hamza and Mohammad Ali with figures of 2-13 and 2-34, respectively. 

The match's highlight was Umar Amin's marathon innings of 177 runs in Pakistan Shaheens' first innings, supported by Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza's impressive bowling that had earlier bowled out Bangladesh 'A' for 122 runs.