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SUSSEX: Azan Awais and Haider Ali struck half-centuries to hand Pakistan Shaheens a five-wicket win over the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in the third one-day match here on Sunday.
The victory also helped the Shaheens clinch the three-match series 2-1.
Chasing 261 to win, Pakistan Shaheens’ openers Shamyl Hussain and Azan Awais provided a solid 101-run start to the innings.
Left-hander Shamyl was the first to depart, returning to the pavilion after scoring 40 off 55 balls, including four boundaries.
Azan Awais was then joined by Mohammad Suleman and the pair stitched a 68-run stand for the second wicket, with Suleman contributing a brisk 44 off 40 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.
After Suleman’s dismissal in the 31st over, captain Saud Shakeel (1 off 6) was soon back in the pavilion, leaving Pakistan Shaheens three down for 171 in 31.2 overs.
At that crucial juncture, Azan was joined by Haider Ali, who had earlier played a match-winning knock in the first one-day match.
The pair added 33 runs for the fourth wicket before Azan fell for a composed 88 off 104 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six.
Pakistan Shaheens reached the target with 37 balls to spare, due to a quick-fire knock from Haider Ali, who remained unbeaten on 55 off 40 balls, striking five fours and three towering sixes.
For the Professional County Club Select XI, leg-spinner Harrison was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 48 runs in eight overs.
Earlier in the day, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah returned impressive figures of 4 for 41 in 9.4 overs to help bundle out the hosts for 260 in 46.4 overs.
Ubaid not only dismissed in-form opener Will Smeed (8), but also removed Ollie Sykes, top scorer for his side with a 56-ball 64, including two fours and five sixes.
Tom Lawes contributed 49, while wicketkeeper-batter Thomas made 44 off 52 balls before being bowled by Ubaid.
Musa Khan was also amongst the wickets, claiming 2 for 39, while Mir Hamza and Saud picked up a wicket each.
Having won the first one-day match by five wickets (DLS method), Pakistan Shaheens will now take on the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in the first three-day match, commencing from 29 July at the same venue.
The second three-day match will be against South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury from 3 to 5 August.
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