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The Shan Masood-led side has been under heavy scrutiny after their maiden Test defeat to Bangladesh. However, the A side, Pakistan Shaheens did not face any problems defeating Bangladesh A in their first One-Day game of the series. After Mohammad Abbas Afridi's five-wicket haul, half-centuries from Haseebullah and Usman Khan helped Pakistan Shaheens register a comfortable eight-wicket win in Islamabad.
Afridi’s fifer wrecks Bangladesh A batting order
Pakistan Shaheens captain Mohammad Haris won the toss and opted to field first. Abbas Afridi got rid of openers Mohammad Naim and Soumya Sarkar with the new ball. Saif Hassan held on to one end as Mehran Mumtaz dismissed skipper Towhid and Mosaddek Hossain. Jahanad Khan bagged a couple of wickets as well. Abbas Afridi returned to end Saif's knock. He scored 58 runs from 47 balls including 10 fours and a six. As wickets fell on the other end, Rishad Hossain contributed with a 37-ball 40. In 36 overs, Bangladesh A were bowled out for a non-threatening 183.
Usman thrashes Bangladesh bowlers
In the run chase, Abdul Faseeh fell early to spinner Mahedi Hasan. Haseebullah and Usman dominated the proceedings. Rejaur Rahman Raja turned out to be the most expensive bowler conceding 37 runs from just three overs. They shared a partnership of 129 runs for the second wicket. Usman was more attacking as he smashed eight fours and five sixes in his 60-ball 87. He missed his century as Mosaddek Hossain trapped him in front of the stumps. Haseebullah and Omair Yousuf got Pakistan Shaheens over the line in the 28th over. Hasebullah's unbeaten 81-ball 73 was laced with seven fours and a couple of sixes. On the other end, Yousuf remained unbeaten for 14 runs from 19 balls.
Pakistan Shaheens performers’ statistics
23-year-old Abbas Afridi has delivered consistent performances on A tours. He is yet to get his ODI cap but has 16 wickets from 10 T20Is.
Usman is yet to make his ODI debut as well. He played for Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024 on the back of performances in Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has 117 runs from nine T20Is. On the other hand, Haseebullah has played just one T20I and bagged a duck.
They are set to be picked in the teams for the domestic Champions Cup next month and may get an entry into the ODI squad based on the performances.
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