England Lions beat Pakistan Shaheens by nine wickets in the first 50-over match of the five-match series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery One in Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.
According to details, the second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Sunday, March 1.
After being put in to bat, Shaheens were bowled out for 152 in 38.3 overs. Skipper Shamyl Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat opened the innings, but Shaheens suffered an early setback when Maaz was dismissed for nought in the third over. Sameer Minhas (11, 20b, 2x4s) and Shamyl (18, 35b, 2x4s) attempted to steady the innings, however regular wickets dented the momentum as Shaheens slipped to 36 for three in 10.4 overs.
Saad Khan (21, 29b, 3x4s) and Abdul Samad then stitched a 41-run partnership for the fourth wicket to rebuild the innings. Samad top-scored with a fighting 44 off 57 balls, striking three fours and one six, holding the innings together during a challenging phase.
Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig contributed 18 off 26 balls, including one six, but Shaheens lost six wickets for 32 runs after crossing the 120-run mark. From 120 for four, they slipped to 123 for eight, which hampered their chances of posting a competitive total.
For England Lions, Calvin Harrison grabbed three wickets, while James Coles and Sonny Baker bagged two wickets apiece. Defending a modest total, Shaheens’ bowlers looked to strike early, but England Lions reached 65 without loss in 10 overs. The only breakthrough came through Sufiyan Moqim, who removed Ben McKinney for 42.
Asa Tribe (52 not out, 64b, 6x4s) and James Rew (48 not out, 41b, 8x4s) added an unbeaten 77-run partnership for the second wicket to steer their side home in the 25th over. Calvin Harrison (England Lions) was declared Player of the match.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan Shaheens 152 all out, 38.3 overs (Abdul Samad 44, Saad Khan 21; Calvin Harrison 3-37, James Coles 2-25, Sonny Baker 2-29).
England Lions 154-1, 24.2 overs (Asa Tribe 52 not out, James Rew 48 not out, Ben McKinney 42; Sufiyan Moqim 1-51).