Shahzad, Ali stake Test claims as Sri Lanka toil

Openers Ahmed Shahzad and Azhar Ali hit contrasting centuries for Patron's XI in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka here Tuesday to press claims for a Test place.

Shahzad, aged just 17, scored an aggressive 146 while Ali notched a sedate 100 as Sri Lanka's bowlers toiled hard on a placid Defense Stadium pitch - their only warm-up match before the first of two Tests starting here on February 21.

The pair helped Patron's XI reach 395-4 at close on the first day after home team captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and decided to bat. At close Asim Kamal was unbeaten on 18 and Sarfraz Ahmed on 13 not out.

Shahzad, who represented Pakistan in the Junior World Cup last year, hit 22 boundaries and a six during his 174-ball knock and added 204 runs with Ali.

Shahzad had to retire after he was hit in the groin by a delivery from paceman Thilan Thushara.

Ali, who took 54 deliveries to open his account, hit nine boundaries and two sixes during his 208-ball innings, making a strong case for selection for Pakistan in near future.

Afridi, who is pressing for a Test recall, hit eight boundaries and a six during his rapid-fire 29-ball 49.

Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan went wicketless in 11 overs, while Ajantha Mendis took 1-69.

Muralitharan was unlucky not to have dismissed Shahzad when skipper Mahela Jayawardene spilled a catch in the slips. Shahzad was then 74.

Scores:

Patron's XI first innings: 395-4 (Ahmed Shahzad 146 retired hurt, Azhar Ali 100, Shahid Afridi 49; Chaminda Vaas 1-27, Farveez Maharoof 1-30, Tillakaratne Dilshan 1-43, Ajantha Mendis 1-69)

KARACHI, AFP