Pakistan vs Kent - final day of the 3-day match review
Pakistan’s first warm up game in England ended on a good note as Pakistan batsmen had a good day out, and finally the top and middle order got some runs under their belt. The match obviously ended in a draw though.
Pakistan started the day at 86 for 1 with Umar Amin and Fawad Alam at the crease, the 2 youngsters started the day in cautious manner looking to size up the bowling, and making sure that they do not fall prey once again to the early moisture in the pitch. Umar Amin who is expected to make his test Debut against Australia in particular looked determined to prove his worth.
Before close of play on the 2nd day he had scored some good runs and had got enough confidence to latch onto anything short or too full. Kent though were determined to make Pakistani batsmen work hard for runs, which actually was perfect for the 2 left handers who will be facing a much tougher test once the test series begins.
Fawad Alam, who already has a test century under his belt when he opened the batting against Sri Lanka last year, showed why he is rated as one of the most talented all rounders, after having spent most of his time in the team serving drinks as a 12th man or warming the bench.
After the first 10 overs or so the 2 left handers began to open up and played some good strokes, naturally the cover region was favoured by both, as any left hander would do.
Umar Amin was the first wicket of the morning to fall, but not before he had scored 73 runs from 126 balls with 9 boundaries. He was caught by Denly off Lawson’s bowling. Umar and Alam put on 141 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Next in was another man desperate for some runs, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik. As expected he did not rush and made sure he spent some time on the crease before going for his shots. While Fawad Alam was withdrawn to give other batsmen a run, Fawad Alam scored 68 runs from 140 balls with 8 boundaries.
Next in was Kamran Akmal but the flashy wicketkeeper could not make use of another chance to get some batting practice, unlike the other batsmen he went for his shots a bit too early and hit one straight to Azhar Mehmood after scoring just 2 runs from 15 balls, his wicket was also taken by Lawson.
Muhammad Aamer who is believed to be not just a fast bowler but someone with batting potential as well and be an all rounder was in next.
Shoaib Malik and Aamer after getting their eye in decided to go for it, Muhammad Aamer was impressive while using the long handle, he smashed 4 big sixes and a four in his unbeaten innings of 44 runs from 49 balls. While Shoaib Malik on the other end scored 48 from 58 balls with 2 sixes and a four.
Pakistan declared at the end of 2nd session at 264 for 4. With just one session to go Kent came out to bat and with the early moisture not there anymore handled the Pakistan attack with some authority. Kent lost only 3 wickets in the session for 150 runs. Denly scored 69, Piesly got 43 and Blake put on 28 runs before the close of play.
Pakistan had some good practice with the 3 day game. After the lack of runs from the middle order in the 1st innings might have been a worry the 2nd innings would have calmed those fears to some degree. Umar Akmal and Muhammad Aamer for sure were the standouts for Pakistan in the 3 day game.
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