PCC Select XI defeat Pakistan Shaheens in second one-day clash

BECKENHAM: The Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan Shaheens in the second one-day here at the County Ground on Friday. 

PCC Select XI chased down the modest target of 153 runs in 26 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

The home side faced a challenging start, losing both of their openers within the first five and being reduced to 35-2. Mohammed Isacc was the first to be removed, scoring 13 off 16 balls, whereas Will Smeed crisped three fours before being out on 18 off 11 deliveries.

Following the early setbacks, Tom Lawes and Hamza Sheikh batted responsibly, forging a 59-run stand to steady their team in the chase. The duo’s cautious stand brought the score to 94-3 in 13 overs.

With PCC Select XI cruising, Shahid Aziz was brought into the attack,  who removed a well-set batter, Tom Lawes, to give the visitors a reprieve.

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However, Hamza Shaikh’s and skipper Luc Martin Benkenstein’s decisive 59-run partnership kept Shaheen’s bowlers at bay.

Shaikh top-scored with 54* off 63 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, while Benkenstein struck two fours on his way to 23 off 32 balls.

For Pakistan Shaheens, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, and Mir Hamza picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 152 runs in only 29.3 overs, with Azan Awais top scoring with 68 off 85 balls.  However, no other batter could contribute significantly.

Ali Zaryab (14 off 23 balls), Omair Bin Yousuf (4 off 5 deliveries), and skipper Saud Shakeel could only manage to score five.

For PCC Select XI, Jafer Chohan was the standout bowler, picking up four wickets in 5.3 overs and giving away 44 runs. Scott Currie was equally good, scalping three wickets in his six overs.

With this win, PCC Select XI leveled the One-Day series at 1-1, with one match to go, which will be played at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove on 27 July.

Playing XIs:

Professional County Club Select XI: Will Smeed, Isaac Mohammed, Tom Lawes, Hamza Shaikh, Luc Benkenstein (C), Ollie Sykes, Joe Moores (WK), Dan Douthwaite, Jafer Chohan, Mitchell Stanley, Scott Currie

Pakistan Shaheens: Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saud Shakeel (C), Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Rohail Nazir (WK), Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Mir Hamza, Faisal Akram

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