Azhar scores second ton on the trot; Younis, Misbah make impressive fifties
Brighton/Hove – July 8, 2016: Pakistan middle order was in sparkling form against Sussex here, contributing massively to the team’s consistent showing in this third innings of the two first class games at the start of the England tour.
Star of the day was Azhar Ali, who accumulated his second century in as many innings, this time going on to make it a big one, until he fell at 145 off 266 balls, 20 fours and a six his principal scoring shots.
Sussex won the toss and elected to field – to skipper Misbah-ul-Haq’s delight, for he too would have opted to bat had he called it right. Early in the innings, Jofra Archer had Shan Masood caught behind. Archer then hit Mohammed Hafeez on the helmet, before trapping him lbw for 15 with his next ball.
But then Azhar and Younis Khan combined stem the rot with a 125-run stand for the third wicket. Younis passed the landmark of 16,000 runs in first class cricket but was caught at mid-off when well-set on 59. During the course of his innings, Azhar too passed his own milestone of 8,000 first class runs.
This gave the opportunity to Misbah which he took with aplomb in a stand of 146 with Azhar; Azhar had brought the century stand with a six over the roof of the pavilion at square leg. Misbah made 68 before being adjudged LBW offering no stroke to Archer.
Azhar himself fell for 145 caught behind whilst attempting to hook a bouncer from Archer.
At the close of Day 1, Pakistan had made 363-5. With Sussex operating with spinners, the over-rate was so good that 99 overs were bowled in the day which was only one short of the mandatory 100 overs in the first innings. Archer was the only bowler to impress with figures of 4-49.
So, more successful batting practice for the Pakistan team, as they seem to be adjusting well to English conditions.
