Iftikhar, Babar heroics help Pakistan ‘A’ draw first blood against England Lions

DUBAI: An unbeaten century partnership between Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam drove Pakistan ‘A’ to success after early hiccups in the first T20 against England Lions at the ICC Cricket Academy ground on Monday.

Iftikhar (66 off 46) and Babar (53 off 40), who were the part of the Pakistan squad in the recently concluded ODI and T20 series against England, came to the rescue after openers Shahzaib Hasan and Fakhar Zaman were dismissed early. Sohaib Maqsood followed the openers back in the hut soon after to leave Pakistan 'A' reeling in the face off a 146-run target.

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Iftikhar smashed three sixes and two fours while Babar Azam hit six boundaries and a maximum as Pakistan ‘A’ crossed the line with an over and seven wickets to spare.

Earlier, Dawid Malan contributed 51 off 44 deliveries to become the highest run scorer in the Lions’ innings.

The left-hander from Roehampton hit three sixes and as many fours before falling out to Aamer Yamin who also showed James Vince the way to the pavilion and finished with figures of 2 for 29 in four overs.

Pakistan’s emerging off-break bowler Bilal Asif also finished with two scalps with swashbuckling England international Sam Billings becoming one of his victims.