Saud Shakeel scores century in Pakistan warm-up victory

Saud Shakeel scored an unbeaten century to lead Pakistan to a victory over the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in a three-day warm-up match at Beckenham. After trailing by 67 runs in the first innings, Pakistan successfully chased a target of 262 on the final day, winning by seven wickets.

The match served as vital preparation for Pakistan ahead of their three-match Test series against England, which is scheduled to begin on August 19 at Headingley. The warm-up fixture, originally planned as a four-day match, was shortened to three days following a mutual agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Shakeel’s performance comes as he seeks to prove his ability in non-Asian conditions. While he maintains a high average at home, his statistics have historically been lower on foreign soil. This series will mark his first opportunity to play Test cricket in England.