Cricket supporters brace themselves as Pakistan vs Victoria XI in a highly anticipated match that promises thrilling moments and exceptional cricketing prowess. With both teams unveiling their squads, the stage is set for an enthralling battle between bat and ball.
Squads Unveiled
| Position | Victoria XI | Pakistan Squad |
|---|---|---|
| Captain/Wk | Peter Handscomb | Shan Masood (c) |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk) | ||
| Players | Marcus Harris | Aamir Jamal |
| Dylan Brasher | Abdullah Shafique | |
| Will Pucovski | Abrar Ahmed | |
| Blake Thomson | Babar Azam | |
| Harry Dixon | Faheem Ashraf | |
| Sam Elliott | Hasan Ali | |
| Xavier Crone | Imam-ul-Haq | |
| Doug Warren | Khurram Shahzad | |
| Cam McClure | Mir Hamza | |
| Wil Parker | Mohammad Rizwan (wk) | |
| Matt Fotia | Mohammad Wasim Jnr | |
| Noman Ali | ||
| Saim Ayub | ||
| Salman Ali Agha | ||
| Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk) | ||
| Saud Shakeel | ||
| Shaheen Afridi |
Two-Day Practice Match: Pakistan vs Victoria XI
In a preparatory fixture ahead of the main event, Pakistan is set to face off in Pakistan vs Victoria XI in a two-day practice match. This crucial encounter will unfold at the iconic Junction Oval in Melbourne, providing both teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and gauge their preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead.
Event Details:
- Match: Two-Day Practice Match
- Teams: Pakistan vs Victoria XI
- Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne
- Dates: December 22 & 23, 2023
Junction Oval 🏟️
Bringing the heat and turning up the intensity as the practice match is underway 🏏🔥#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/66rHFCdHPc
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 22, 2023
First Innings
Saud Shakeel and Rizwan Fifties
Saud Shakeel and Rizwan Fifties
The two-day practice match against Victoria XI, both Saud and Rizwan showcased their batting prowess by achieving impressive fifties. The duo’s notable contributions added valuable runs to the team’s total, demonstrating their form and readiness for the upcoming challenges. The ability of Saud and Rizwan to reach the fifty-run milestone in the practice match not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a positive sign for the Pakistan team as they prepare for more substantial encounters. This promising performance in the practice match sets an optimistic tone for the team’s batting lineup and instills a sense of anticipation among fans as they eagerly await the main fixtures ahead.
Pakistan Batting Performance
In a compelling display of cricketing prowess, the Pakistan batting lineup, comprising the available squad members, showcased their skills in the first innings, amassing a total of 323-8 in 78.4 overs. The innings was characterized by notable contributions from several key players, setting the tone for a competitive outing.
Key Performances:
- Saud Shakeel (70 retired): Opening the innings, Saud Shakeel exhibited commendable form, contributing a solid 70 runs before retiring. His innings provided a strong foundation for the team.
- Mohammad Rizwan (50 retired): Following suit, Mohammad Rizwan displayed his batting prowess, reaching a well-deserved fifty before opting to retire. His resilient innings added valuable runs to the scoreboard.
- Salman Ali Agha (51): Salman Ali Agha played a crucial role in the middle order, notching up a half-century. His innings added stability and momentum to the team’s total.
- Sarfraz Ahmed (35): Former captain Sarfraz Ahmed made a noteworthy contribution with a composed innings, accumulating 35 runs and providing valuable support to the team’s cause.
- Saim Ayub (30): Saim Ayub’s innings, accumulating 30 runs, added depth to the batting lineup, showcasing the team’s resilience and depth in talent.
- Abdullah Shafique (26): Abdullah Shafique contributed with a handy 26 runs, contributing to the team’s overall score.
- Imam ul Haq (37): Imam ul Haq’s aggressive approach yielded 37 runs, injecting momentum into the innings.
The bowling attack from Victoria XI posed challenges, with FC Warren leading the wicket-takers with figures of 3-69. Other notable contributors included MF Fotia (2-44), WB Parker (1-52), SM Elliott (1-40), and TR Pearson (1-48).
This first innings performance reflects a balanced and resilient effort from the Pakistan batting lineup, setting the stage for an intriguing contest as the match progresses.
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