Haider Ali’s Century and Abdul Samad’s Half-Century
Islamabad, 25th November – Thanks to a brilliant century by Haider Ali, Pakistan Shaheens won the first ODI by 108 runs against Sri Lanka A. This victory gave Pakistan Shaheens a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The match, played at Islamabad Club on Monday, saw Sri Lanka A’s captain, Nuwanindu Fernando, winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Pakistan Shaheens posted a total of 306 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Sri Lanka A was bowled out for 198 runs in 39.4 overs.
Pakistan Shaheens began their innings with captain Mohammad Haris and Moaz Sadaqat. However, Moaz Sadaqat was dismissed for 11, and Mohammad Haris made 26 runs, including four boundaries, before being sent back. Sharoon Sijar played a handy knock of 42 runs off 5 fours.
At a total of 94 runs, three wickets fell, but Haider Ali and Abdul Samad put together a vital partnership of 120 runs for the fourth wicket. Abdul Samad scored 56 runs, including five fours and one six, before being dismissed.
Haider Ali played an aggressive knock, scoring 108 runs off 94 balls, including 8 fours and 6 sixes. Mohammad Haris contributed with an unbeaten 36 runs, including one six and four fours.
For Sri Lanka A, Ishaan Malinda was the most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets for 61 runs.
In Sri Lanka A’s innings, Chamindu Wickramasinghe was the top scorer with 47 runs, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes. Sonal Danushka, who had performed well in the four-day series, contributed 38 runs.
For Pakistan Shaheens, Sharoon Sijar took 3 wickets for 21 runs, and Imran Junior claimed 2 wickets for 30 runs.
Haider Ali was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.
The remaining two ODIs between the two teams will be played on the 27th and 29th of November at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan Shaheens had won the two-match four-day series 1-0 before this ODI series.