Mishara shines with brisk 98 in drawn game

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Pakistan ‘A’ skipper Saud Shakeel celebrates scoring a century

Sri Lanka ‘A’ opener Kamil Mishara plays a shot on the off-side during his innings of 98

Sri Lanka ‘A’s batting which was destroyed by Pakistan ‘A’s three-pronged pace attack in the first innings for 141, put up a better performance in the second innings to score 144-2 before the rain-hit first 4-day unofficial test petered out into a draw at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ had 45 overs to bat out after Pakistan ‘A’ closed their first innings at 324-2 with a lead of 183.

Following the dismissal of Kamil Mishara for a brisk knock of 98 off 97 balls, the match was called off with neither side being in a position to force a win.

Mishara’s was an inspirational knock studded with 19 fours. With Lahiru Udara (28) he put on 98 for the first wicket before the pair was separated.

Pakistan ‘A’ skipper Saud Shakeel completed a fine century off 205 balls before retiring with his score on 118 scored off 223 balls inclusive of 13 fours.

His overnight partner Omair Yousuf missed out on his century by seven runs when he was caught by Mishara off Vishwa Fernando for 93 scored off 250 balls (11 fours). It was the only wicket that Sri Lanka ‘A’ managed to secure on the final day.

Shakeel and Omair figured in a second wicket stand of 206 that virtually knocked the wind out of the Lankan sails.

Following Shakeel’s retirement Kamran Ghulam and Usman Salahuddin further frustrated the Lankan bowlers with an unbroken partnership of 93 when the declaration came. Ghulam scored an unbeaten 58 off 118 balls (7 fours) and Salahuddin 20 not out.

The second 4-day unofficial test commences at the same venue on 4 November.

Scores:

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 141 and 144-2 (30.3) (Kamil Mishara 98, Lahiru Udara 28)

Pakistan ‘A’ 324-2 decl (115) (Saud Shakeel 118 rtd ht, Omair Yousuf 93, Kamran Ghulam 58*, Usman Salahuddin 20*)