Srinagar: The day one of the Pakistan’s practice match vs Victoria XI at the Junction Oval, Melbourne saw batters Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan shine for the visitors ahead of second Test vs Australia.
Pakistan declared their first innings at 323-8 with Shakeel being the highest scorer with 70 runs. Salman Agha scored 51 while as Mohammad Rizwan scored 50 (Retired).
In reply, at stumps on day one, Victoria XI were 47-1 in 11 overs. Pacer Shaheen Afridi claimed figures of 1-16 for the visitors.
With Rizwan shining in practice match in his first outing , the debate on Sarfaraz vs Rizwan for second Test is going to get louder. There are indications that Pakistan my opt for Rizwan in second Test vs Australia ahd drop Sarfaraz who had ordinary outing in Perth both with bat and behind wickets.
Brief scores
Pakistan: 323-8 dec in 78.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 70 retired, Salman Ali Agha 51, Mohammad Rizwan 50 retired, Imam-ul-Haq 37, Sarfaraz Ahmed 35, Saim Ayub 30, Abdullah Shafique 26; DCN Warren 3-69, MF Fotia 2-44)
Victoria XI: 47-1 in 11 overs (BR Thomson 25 not out, MS Harris 18 not out; Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-16)
Earlier Pakistan suffered a heavy loss against Australia in the first game of the three-Test series. After being set a target of 450 in the fourth innings, Pakistan folded for a measly 89 in 30.2 overs, losing the match by 360 runs.
The second Test of the series will be held from December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.