The Pakistan Panthers Veterans began their tour of Sri Lanka on a winning note as they overpowered Western Province Veterans XI by three wickets in their opening game at SSC Ground in Colombo the other day.
According to reports received here, Absar Hussain Syed and Jaffar Qureshi bowled well in tandem, capturing seven wickets between them to send Western Province tumbling to 190 all out. Set to score 191 in 35 overs, Pakistan Veterans romped home in the 29th over with Najeeb Sadiq being the batting star.
Pakistan Panthers Veterans, captained by Fawad Ijaz Khan, will play three more matches during their ongoing tour. Former Pakistan captain, Zaheer Abbas, a batting legend, is also accompanying the team as Cricket Ambassador.
Pakistan’s veterans outfit gave an impressive account of themselves in their opening fixture as they pulled it back just when Western Province seemed running away with it. The local side was on course of a huge total when they raised their 100 in 16th over for the loss of only two wickets with opener Trishane Nonis (48 off 54 balls) and number four S M Faumi (32 off 46 balls) in full flow.
Pakistan Veterans fought back through the duo of Absar Hussain Syed (4-22) and Jaffer Qureshi (3-32) and Western Province was bowled out for 190 on the final ball of their innings despite Malcolm Rodrigo’s 35 off 38 balls.
Opener Najeeb Sadiq’s brilliant knock of 71 off 73 balls containing 10 boundaries put Pakistan in commanding position when they came out the chase the target of 191 in 35 overs.
Thilak De Silva (3-30) and Malcom Rodrigo (3-40) tested the visitors and opened up the game but Ghaffar Kazmi’s breezy 30 runs off 25 balls drove Pakistan Veterans home with more than six overs remaining. Absar Hussain Syed was declared Man of the Match for his excellent bowling.
Summarised scores:
Western Province Veterans XI: 190 in 35 overs (Trishane Nonis 48, Malcom Rodrigo 3, S M Faumi 32; Absar Hussain Syed 4-22, Jaffar Qureshi 3- 32)
Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI 194-7 in 28.5 overs (Najeeb Sadiq 71, Ghaffar Kazmi 30: Thilak De Silva 3-30, Malcom Rodrigo 3- 40).
Result: Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI won by three wickets.