(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Shaheens Ready for Red-Ball Challenge After ODI Series Win in England
Sussex, 28 July 2025 – The Pakistan Shaheens are set to kick off their red-ball campaign on their England tour with a three-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI, scheduled to begin Tuesday, 29 July, at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove.
Their second three-day fixture will take place on 3 August against a combined team from the South Asian Cricket Academy and MCC Young Cricketers at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury.
Shaheens Clinch ODI Series 2-1 with Gritty Performances
Prior to the red-ball matches, the Shaheens featured in a three-match one-day series, which they won 2-1. Under the leadership of Saud Shakeel, the team displayed strong performances against the Professional County Club Select XI.
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1st ODI (22 July): Shaheens won by 5 wickets (DLS method)
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2nd ODI (25 July): Lost by 7 wickets
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3rd ODI (27 July): Won by 5 wickets, successfully chasing 261 runs
Azan Awais Shines with the Bat
Left-handed opener Azan Awais emerged as the top run-scorer in the ODI series, scoring 164 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 54.67. His tally included two half-centuries, 16 fours, and two sixes, showcasing his ability to adapt to English conditions.
In an exclusive chat with PCB Digital, Azan shared:
“Conditions in England are quite testing, especially with the new ball swinging and seaming. The coach advised me to focus on anchoring the innings, and I followed that plan successfully. Our 100-run opening partnership in the last game laid a strong foundation.”
He also praised his opening partner Shamyl Hussain, with whom he has shared the crease since U19 days.
Haider Ali Impresses with Explosive Batting
Haider Ali, already capped at the international level with 2 ODIs and 35 T20Is, continued his rise by scoring 141 runs at a strike rate of 128.18. He registered two match-winning fifties, significantly contributing to Shaheens’ victories in the first and third ODIs.
Ubaid Shah Leads Bowling Attack
On the bowling front, 19-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah stole the spotlight with six wickets in the series, including a standout performance of 4 for 41 in the final game.
Speaking to PCB Digital, Ubaid remarked:
“The English conditions favor fast bowlers, and I tried to keep things simple and aggressive early on. Bowling alongside someone experienced like Mir Hamza helped a lot. We planned our lengths and strategies together, which worked well.”
He added that the tour has been a learning experience, particularly in adapting to foreign pitches, and he’s now focused on carrying that momentum into the three-day red-ball matches.
Focus Shifts to Red-Ball Cricket
With the ODI series wrapped up, the Shaheens are now eyeing success in the longer format. The team will aim to capitalize on form and experience, especially in unfamiliar English conditions that test both technique and temperament.
Fans can expect exciting red-ball cricket as young talents like Azan Awais, Haider Ali, and Ubaid Shah continue to make their mark in overseas conditions.
