Fifties for Athanaze and Imlach as tour match ends in draw

West Indies XI and Pakistan Shaheens had to settle for a draw in their three-day tour match. Both teams delivered competitive performances but ultimately cancelled each other out in the final push for a result in Islamabad on Sunday.

Resuming day three with a commanding 134-run lead, after the Shaheens declared their first innings at 212-9, the West Indies XI set the Shaheens a daunting target of 311 after they also declared their second innings at 177-5.

The Shaheens responded with a solid batting effort, as they got to 128-2 by the close of play to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.

Alick Athanaze again led the West Indies XI from the front, adding a second half-century to his stellar 98 in the first innings.

His composed knock of 58 from 84 balls featured seven fours and two sixes, as he displayed some semblance of form heading into the more crucial two-match Test series against Pakistan.

Tevin Imlach was also impressed with a fluent 57 off 65 balls, including nine boundaries to keep the momentum in the visitors’ favour.

Mikyle Louis (5), Joshua Da Silva (13), Keacy Carty (1), Kavem Hodge (36) and Amir Jangoo (zero) were the batsmen dismissed.

Mohammad Musa Khan, who grabbed 2-5, and Ali Raza, who chipped in with 2-32, spearheaded the Shaheens bowling attack.

Chasing 311 for victory, the Shaheens opted for a slightly aggressive approach, anchored by opener Mohammad Huraira’s sparkling 80 off 80 balls, decorated with 12 fours and two sixes.

Umair Bin Yousaf supported with a patient 25 as the pair ensured no further wickets fell after Jomel Warrican’s two early strikes. He ended with 2-23. (SportsMax)

FULL SCORECARD: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-in-pakistan-2024-25-1442208/pakistan-shaheens-vs-west-indies-tour-match-1467951/full-scorecard