4-Day practice game between Australian Prime Minister's XI (367/4) & Pakistan (391/9) ends in a draw

[BouncerGuy]

4-Day Match 6-9 Dec at Manuka Oval

Pakistan vs Prime Minister's XI

DAY 3- Close of play

Pakistan First innings: 391-9 d in 116.2 overs, Shan Masood 201 not out, Sarfraz Ahmad 41,Babar Azam 40, Abdullah Shafique 38. Jordan Bukingham 5-80,Mark Steketee 1-58

Prime Minister's XI First innings: 367-4 in 140 overs, Matthew Renshaw 136 not out, Nathan McSweeney 40,
Cameron Bancroft 53, Marcus Harris 49, Cameron Green 46, khurram Shahzad 1-50, Faheem Ashraf 1- 57, Abrar Ahmad 1-80, Imam ul Haq 1-11

 

[MenInG]

4-Day Match 6-9 Dec at Manuka Oval

Pakistan vs Prime Minister's XI

DAY 3- Close of play

Pakistan First innings: 391-9 d in 116.2 overs, Shan Masood 201 not out, Sarfraz Ahmad 41,Babar Azam 40, Abdullah Shafique 38. Jordan Bukingham 5-80,Mark Steketee 1-58

Prime Minister's XI First innings: 367-4 in 140 overs, Matthew Renshaw 136 not out, Nathan McSweeney 40,
Cameron Bancroft 53, Marcus Harris 49, Cameron Green 46, khurram Shahzad 1-50, Faheem Ashraf 1- 57, Abrar Ahmad 1-80, Imam ul Haq 1-11

Matt Renshaw hit his 21st first-class century to take Prime Minister’s XI to 367-4 in 141 overs on the third day of the four-day game against Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra. Consequently, Prime Minister’s XI trail Pakistan by just 24 runs ahead of the last day of the match.

Prime Minister’s XI resumed from their score of 149-2 in 60 overs with Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green on the crease. Right-arm seamer Faheem Ashraf provided the first breakthrough of the day for Pakistan, dismissing Green (46, 96b, 3x4s) to break the 86-run stand.

Nathan McSweeney joined Renshaw on the crease in 42nd over with the scorecard reading 198-3. The two stitched a commanding partnership of 120 runs, mounting pressure on the Pakistan bowlers as the trail steadily decreased.

Imam-ul-Haq claimed the second first-class wicket of his career after he was brought into the attack by the Pakistan captain. Mir Hamza took a stunning catch on Imam’s bowling to help break the formidable partnership. McSweeney walked back to the pavilion after scoring 40 from 105 deliveries, including three fours.

Renshaw batted through the day to reduce the trail for Prime Minister’s XI, bringing it down to just 24. His undefeated knock of 136 from 337 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, made sure Pakistan bowlers toiled throughout the day.

Prime Minister’s XI will start Day four in a commanding position with the unbeaten centurion Renshaw and Beau Webster (21 not out, 86b, 1x6) on the crease.

Day four’s play at Manuka Oval will resume on 0430 PKT.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan 391-9d, 116.2 overs (Shan Masood 201 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 41, Babar Azam 40, Abdullah Shafique 38; Jordan Buckingham 5-80, Mark Steketee 1-58, Nathan McAndrew 1-68, Todd Murphy 1-110)

Prime Minister’s XI 367-4, 141 overs (Matt Renshaw 136 not out, Cameron Bancroft 53, Marcus Harris 49, Cameron Green 46; Imam-ul-Haq 1-12, Faheem Ashraf 1-57, Khurram Shahzad 1-50, Abrar Ahmed 1-80)

 

[MenInG]

Not great news this!

Update on Abrar Ahmed

Canberra, 8 December 2023: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed complained of discomfort in his right leg after bowling eight overs on the third day of four-day game against Prime Minister’s XI. As a result, the 25-year-old was taken off the field.

Following his complaint, Abrar was sent for a MRI scan. Further details will be shared in due course, after medical panel assess the MRI reports.

Abrar has bowled a total of 27 overs so far in the game against Prime Minister's XI. The four-day game was scheduled as part of Pakistan’s preparation ahead of their three-match Test series against Australia, which is set to take place from 14 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.

 

[Abdullah]

Such a bad pitch. Reminds me of one of those bad pitches we've had in Pakistan. But at least the outfield was quicker.

Yes can't judge too much on this. At least everyone has kept it tight. I hate it when we lose control in the field and the wheels come off

 

[sindhiboy]

This is an old school australian pitch, really flat and batting friendly. I dont think the pitches are gonna be anything like this in the test series

 

[Seam Specialist]

It seems this pitch was designed as a revenge for the absolute rubbish pitches that were served up in the Pakistan series when Australia toured.

There is zero intent from batsman to actually score runs and overall this has been a dull cricket match. Can't even say Pakistan have bowled bad becuase they haven't, they did everything that was required and the bowling line up looks good. Some bad umpiring also cost them the wicket of Renshaw and might have actually pushed this match forward.

If Prime Ministers XI dont declare after they reach Paks score, then I suggest Pakistan should start bowling underarm or give bowling creds to guys who haven't bowled before.

 

[BouncerGuy]

give bowling creds to guys who haven't bowled before.

Pakistan is already doing that actually. Imam, Saud and Babar. Shan may come on to bowl as well. We are doomed further with Abrar injured (if he is out of this series).

 

[RidiculousMan]

It seems this pitch was designed as a revenge for the absolute rubbish pitches that were served up in the Pakistan series when Australia toured.

There is zero intent from batsman to actually score runs and overall this has been a dull cricket match. Can't even say Pakistan have bowled bad becuase they haven't, they did everything that was required and the bowling line up looks good. Some bad umpiring also cost them the wicket of Renshaw and might have actually pushed this match forward.

If Prime Ministers XI dont declare after they reach Paks score, then I suggest Pakistan should start bowling underarm or give bowling creds to guys who haven't bowled before.

I actually think Shan has done well to manage the work load. They aren't even showing intent against part timers let alone scoring at a rapid rate. There's no need to overbowl Abrar here as well.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Pakistan is already doing that actually. Imam, Saud and Babar. Shan may come on to bowl as well. We are doomed further with Abrar injured (if he is out of this series).

Commentators mentioned that Abrar felt slight strain on his leg and that it was precautionary.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Commentators mentioned that Abrar felt slight strain on his leg and that it was precautionary.

We never know. Hope everything is fine. Let the results come in for that MRI done. Then we will know for sure.

 

[castortroy]

I can't see pak taking 10 wickets in any of the Aussies innings.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I can't see pak taking 10 wickets in any of the Aussies innings.

Yes bowling line-up is too weak

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Just seen the highlights, disgusting bowling.

They seem like lazy T20 bowlers who are always hoping for the batter give their wicket away with a slog.

 

[Croma]

Utterly boring game. I wonder if Aussies will bat all day and tire and bore all the players

 

[Savak]

Grinding the bowlers down before the test series is a good tactic. If Shan is smart, he will bowl himself and all the part timers for 30-50 overs to nullify this tactic.

 

[Bilal7]

If only one of faheem or Jamal were performing in both aspects. Faheem looks innocuous with the ball. Jamal was clueless with the bat.

That's fine. Just play them both. Abrar is out and give pacers is the way to go.

 

[shamaan]

Hr

Absolutely no idea why Huraira is not on this tour. Just fast track his development.

He should be batting at 4 not in the top 3 .

 

[Savak]

Don't think the bowlers should be judged too much on these wickets. If Perth lives up to its reputation, the pitches should provide an even contest to both sides.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Don't think the bowlers should be judged too much on these wickets. If Perth lives up to its reputation, the pitches should provide an even contest to both sides.

Most Aussie wickets are slow with decent bounce. Bowlers usually have very little assistance. Even Perth wicket is not what it used to be. It is only slightly faster than flat beds like SCG and Adelaide.

Aussie bowlers rely on their pace and height advantage to take wickets on those lifeless wickets.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Start of the match between Pakistan and Australia PM XI has been delayed due to rain on Day 4.

 

[160KPH]

It appears march was declared finished? Cricinfo is showing the match declared a draw.

 

[Vikram1989]

Centre wicket got muddy after yesterday's rain. Covers blown off due to strong winds.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Day 4 has been called off due to a wet outfield! The four-day game against PM's XI is a draw.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Freak Canberra storm ends PM's XI clash

Pakistan's tour match against the Prime Minister's XI is over after overnight rain pounded the Manuka Oval pitch

Pakistan's preparations for their three-match NRMA Insurance Test series against Australia have wrapped a day early after a freak weather event battered Canberra.

A massive electrical storm hit the region around 8pm on Friday, with 55km/h winds blowing off the covers over the Manuka Oval pitch and exposing it to driving rain.

Umpires and captains inspected the pitch late on Saturday morning and called the game off over safety concerns.

The contest was already headed for a draw, but the abandonment denied potential Test opener Matt Renshaw the chance to build on his unbeaten 136 as he pressed his case to the national selectors.

The Prime Minister's XI trailed Pakistan overnight by 24 runs at 4-367, with the tourists' backup bowling brigade failing to make an impact over nearly two long days in the field.

Pakistan's top-order performed well batting first, with captain Shan Masood's 201 not out encouraging hopes they can take the challenge up to Australia's elite bowlers.

The tourists will now head to Perth, where the series against Australia gets underway on Thursday.

Pakistan's first-choice pace attack of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim are expected to be named for the first Test, although there is work to do to finalise their lineup after an injury to spinner Abrar Ahmed.

He is almost certainly ruled out of the contest, with 37-year-old Noman Ali the only other spinner in the squad.

At Manuka Oval, umpire Donovan Koch said work would need to be done on an alternate strip expected to be used for a Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat on Tuesday night.

"The pitch ... is wet, the surrounding is wet and our main concern is actually the BBL pitch, it's two strips down from the playing pitch where there's a game on Tuesday night," he told Fox Cricket.

"We're going to take a cautious approach, we've got a Test team that we don't want to cause any injuries to, and we've got a few BBL players in the (PM's XI) team as well."
​

CA

 

[Savak]

Pakistani bowlers saved by rain

 

[BouncerGuy]

This match was a big confidence booster for the likes of Shan who is a new test captain and his batting form was also questionable. The thing is, shan always does good in the domestic and county games but when it comes to the international stage, he is a disappointment. This series will be his redemption time to do something great.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Good end to the match. The game was going no where. There was no point to further play on this bad pitch anyways.

Now the boys get an extra day of rest to prepare for the all important perth game.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Don't think the bowlers should be judged too much on these wickets. If Perth lives up to its reputation, the pitches should provide an even contest to both sides.

Exactly. Don't know why some fans are getting so reactionary over it. Even Buckingham, the guy who got 5-fer had 3 of the dismissals caught down the leg by luck.

 

[gazza619]

Exactly. Don't know why some fans are getting so reactionary over it. Even Buckingham, the guy who got 5-fer had 3 of the dismissals caught down the leg by luck.

I am still expecting Pakistani bowlers to take 4-5 wickets max in a day even on a fast track.

Our best chance is to bowl defensively and keep the economy under 3.5 runs an over. This can frustrate the Aussie batters.

 

[Rana]

Another positive result for Pakistan with Sarfaraz in the team.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Another positive result for Pakistan with Sarfaraz in the team.

Sarfraz made a lot of mistakes behind the stumps ... many catches went inbetween the keeper and slip ( basically ball watching and let it go to slip cordon, didnt even attempt to dive )... Definitely a concern , as 36 yr old his reflexes and fitness are evidently weak for a keeper... I hope Hafeez can see this and bench him for Rizwan who is equally in very good form with the bat...

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Sarfraz made a lot of mistakes behind the stumps ... many catches went inbetween the keeper and slip ( basically ball watching and let it go to slip cordon, didnt even attempt to dive )... Definitely a concern , as 36 yr old his reflexes and fitness are evidently weak for a keeper... I hope Hafeez can see this and bench him for Rizwan who is equally in very good form with the bat...

He is very unfit. These players are very unprofessional. Whenever they drop out of the the international team they lose their fitness. Should be removed from the squad and sent home.

 

[Major]

Sarfraz dropped how many catches?

 

[sweep_shot]

Sarfraz made a lot of mistakes behind the stumps ... many catches went inbetween the keeper and slip ( basically ball watching and let it go to slip cordon, didnt even attempt to dive )... Definitely a concern , as 36 yr old his reflexes and fitness are evidently weak for a keeper... I hope Hafeez can see this and bench him for Rizwan who is equally in very good form with the bat...

A 36-year old shouldn't be a keeper in modern day cricket.

Can't Sarfraz play as a batter only? Let Rizwan keep maybe.

 

[mumtaz]

Sarfraz dropped how many catches?

In the highlights, I see 2 but apparently there were 3. He didn't exactly drop them but just didn't go for the catches that were closer to him than the first slip.

 

[PakEngFan]

Sarfraz dropped how many catches?

As much as Kamran used to drop. Rubbish keeper and a batsmen. This will hopefully be his last series.