Skipper Ignites Pakistan's Australia Tour with Unbeaten Century in Warm-Up Match
In the warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI, Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed showed promise with their starts, but it was Shan Masood who truly capitalized on the opportunity. Masood emerged as the standout performer, making his innings count and leaving a significant impact ahead of Pakistan's upcoming challenges.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the opening duo of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique were dismissed for 9 and 38 respectively. Azam's crucial partnership of 92 runs with captain Shan Masood significantly carried Pakistan's innings. Azam, who contributed 40 runs, ultimately walked back to the pavilion.
Shan Masood played an exceptional innings, amassing an impressive 156 runs and remaining unbeaten at the end of play. Pakistan displayed commendable cricket, closing the day with a total of 324-6 after facing 89.4 overs.
Sarfraz Ahmed, the wicketkeeper-batsman, played a vital role, contributing 41 runs, middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel added 13 runs, and Faheem Ashraf was dismissed in the final over of the day on 17. Jordan Buckingham, who claimed three wickets for the PM's XI.
During the ongoing four-day warm-up match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI, star batsman Babar Azam voluntarily left the field after the umpire declared him not out despite a catch appeal from the bowler, acknowledging his dismissal.
The 1st Test is scheduled to begin on December 14 in Perth.
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