Huraira's unbeaten century puts Shaheens ahead on day one

Breaking News Today, July 19, 2024: On the opening day of the inaugural four-day encounter between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A at the DXC Arena in Darwin, Muhammad Huraira scored an undefeated century as his team concluded with 375-2 off 79 overs.

Sahibzada Farhan (66, 83b, 10x4s), Umar Amin (54, 77b, 8x4s), and Kamran Ghulam (74 not out, 114b, 11x4s) all scored noteworthy half-centuries, but Huraira stole the show with an undefeated 161 off 203 balls that included 18 fours and one six.

Bangladesh A chose to bowl first after winning the toss earlier in the day. With a 134-run opening partnership, Sahibzada and Huraira put the Bangladesh A bowling attack on the back foot. The first blood was shed for Bangladesh A when Ripon Mondol bowled the Pakistan Shaheens captain in the 27th inning.

Shaheens' position was further strengthened on the first day when Umar Amin, who came into bat at number three, partnered with Huraira for a second-wicket partnership of 118 runs. In the 44th over, Huraira reached his tenth first-class century with 129 balls. Shortly after reaching his half-century, Mondol struck in the 52nd over to give Bangladesh A their second wicket of the day, ending Umar's time at the crease.

After that, Huraira was joined by Kamran Ghulam, and the two added to Bangladesh A's misery by forming an undefeated 123-run partnership. With 74 runs without a loss, Kamran hit 11 boundaries. Only Mondol scored two runs for Bangladesh A as the other bowlers laboured in vain to claim a wicket. 

Scores in brief:

Bangladesh ‘A’ won the toss and elected to bowl first

Pakistan Shaheens 375-2, 79 overs (Mohammad Huraira 161 not out, Kamran Ghulam 74 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 66, Umar Amin 54; Ripon Mondol 2-59)