Canterbury, August 5, 2025:
Promising left-handed batter Ali Zaryab emerged as the standout performer for Pakistan Shaheens, crafting a fine unbeaten century on the final day of their three-day fixture against South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers XI at the historic Spitfire Ground in Canterbury. The match ended in a draw, bringing Pakistan Shaheens’ England tour to a close.
The three-day clash, which served as the final red-ball match of the tour, showcased depth in Pakistan’s young talent pool. Having already claimed the three-match one-day series 2-1, the Shaheens wrapped up the multi-format tour with solid individual performances across both formats.
Key Match Developments and Performers:
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The hosts resumed their first innings at 183 for 6 and were eventually dismissed for 278 in 80.2 overs.
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Feroze Khushi stood tall for the home side with an unbeaten 90, anchoring the innings after a middle-order stumble.
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Mubasir Khan led Pakistan’s bowling with 3 wickets, while Musa Khan and Mehran Mumtaz claimed 2 scalps each.
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With a first-innings lead of 107 runs, Pakistan Shaheens began their second innings confidently despite losing Azan Awais early for 5.
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Shamyl Hussain (70 off 131) partnered Ali Zaryab to add 142 runs for the second wicket, laying a strong foundation.
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Ali Zaryab then reached his century in 141 balls, an innings featuring 8 fours and a six, displaying calmness and control.
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Pakistan Shaheens declared at 196 for 2 in 50.5 overs, with Ali Zaryab unbeaten on 100 and Shamyl contributing 70*, bringing the match to a close as a draw.
Tour Summary:
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Pakistan Shaheens’ first three-day match of the tour, against the Professional County Club Select XI, had also ended in a draw.
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In the 50-over leg, the Shaheens impressed by winning the series 2-1, with consistent performances from both batters and bowlers.
This tour has not only given exposure to emerging talents like Ali Zaryab, Shamyl Hussain, and Mubasir Khan, but also served as an ideal testing ground for Pakistan’s future cricketing prospects in foreign conditions.
Brief Scores Recap:
Pakistan Shaheens
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1st Innings: 385-8 declared (Rohail Nazir 100*, Omair Bin Yousuf 68, Ali Zaryab 44, Maaz Sadaqat 39*, Saud Shakeel 35)
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2nd Innings: 196-2 declared (Ali Zaryab 100*, Shamyl Hussain 70)
South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers XI
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Only Innings: 278 all out (Feroze Khushi 90*, Stuart van der Merwe 41, Jack Carney 32 retired hurt, Andrew Umeed 30)
Pakistan Bowling Highlights:
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Mubasir Khan: 3 for 59
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Musa Khan: 2 for 24
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Mehran Mumtaz: 2 for 81
Conclusion:
Ali Zaryab’s century not only salvaged a draw for the Shaheens but also marked a fitting end to a productive tour in England. With consistency in both formats, the Shaheens return home with positives and a pool of players ready to graduate to the senior level.