Wednesday, Oct 09, 2013
Sharjah: Pakistan A produced a sterling performance with their top three batsmen Shan Masood, Ahmad Shehzad and Azhar Ali scoring half-centuries against the reputed South African bowling attack at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
They posted an impressive 230 for four at close after South African declared their first innings for 354 for eight on the second day of the three-day warm up match.
South Africa, who were overnight at 332 for five, added another 22 runs and declared their innings. Pakistan bowlers did well in the morning session to pick three wickets. J.P. Duminy, who was batting on 49 did not resume his innings and became the third South African batsman to retire after a fine knock.
Imran Khan had Robin Peterson caught behind for 8 while Aizaz Cheema had Faf du Plessis too caught behind for 34 before South Africa declared their first innings.
Openers Shan Masood and Ahmad Shehzad began cautiously against the pace of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. Left handed Masood, who was born in Kuwait, showed good technique in getting behind the line of the ball while Shehzad, who has represented Pakistan in 27 One-dayers, found the gaps very well. The pair put on 106 runs in 33.5 overs.
Shehzad was the first to reach his half-century. Twenty-three-year-old Masood, who has been a consistent scorer in Pakistan’s domestic cricket and is yet to play Test or One-dayers, displayed a maturity much beyond his experience. He handled the pace of Steyn and Philander with ease.
He ushered in the 100-run partnership through a fluent off drive off Lahore born South African leg spinner Imran Tahir. At his score on 66, he hit Robin Petersen’s delivery into the hands of Alviro Petersen at short mid-wicket.
Faisal Iqbal, nephew of the legendary Javed Miandad, fell cheaply to Morne Morkel. Azhar Ali, who has the experience of having played 29 Tests and 14 One-dayers, handled South Africa’s spin and pace comfortably. Asad Shafiq, who has also played in 21 Test matches and 43 One-dayers stroked comfortably as South African bowlers toiled hard for wickets.
By K.R. Nayar Chief Cricket Writer
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