Pakistan arrived in England ready to sharpen their skills ahead of the opening Test at Headingley, and they did so with a convincing seven‑wicket triumph over a County Select XI. The match, staged at Beckenham, featured a standout unbeaten century from Saud Shakeel and a solid 80‑run contribution by Imam‑ul‑Haq, both of which set the tone for the visitors' batting display. The County Select side were set a target of 262 runs to win on the third and final day.
Demonstrating composure and a measured chase, Pakistan reached the required total in 57.1 overs. England spinner Shoaib Bashir, who had earlier taken 4‑76 from 20.2 overs in the first innings, bowled a tight spell of eight overs in the second innings, conceding just 45 runs without taking a wicket.
His performance underscored his ambition to break into the England XI for the upcoming Test at Leeds, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. England’s selection dilemma remains a point of discussion.
While Bashir hopes for a place, the home side may opt for a full‑pace attack, bolstered by the recall of Dan Lawrence, who is slated to bat at number six, and the re‑appointed captain Joe Root, who will provide the spin option. The England Test squad also includes opening batsman Emilio Gay and seam bowler Matt Fisher, both of whom featured in the Beckenham fixture but were released from duty on the final day. Gay, unfortunately, recorded a pair of ducks as the hosts posted totals of 305 all out and 195 all out in their two innings.
Fisher, on the other hand, contributed a quickfire 62 not out from 53 balls in England’s first innings, before delivering an economical spell of 1‑15 from 11 overs when Pakistan began their reply with 238 runs. Pakistan’s innings were anchored by Abdullah Shafique, who top‑scored with 61 runs.
The bowling highlight came from left‑arm spinner Ali Usman, who claimed a five‑wicket haul in the second innings, further cementing Pakistan’s dominance in the warm‑up. The match was not without drama.
On day two, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was forced to retire hurt after a delivery from Hampshire’s promising quick Manny Lumsden struck his hand. Although he was advised to sit out the remainder of the game, a PCB statement confirmed that Babar would resume training at Headingley on Monday, indicating that his injury was not deemed serious. Following the victory, Babar Azam reflected on the preparation value of the warm‑up match. He said, "It’s a very good preparation for us to get ready for the Test.
The pitch was a bit challenging early on but improved after a couple of days. We have to prepare ourselves for the game and it’s great to go out and perform." He also noted the conditions, observing that the surface was slightly dry and offered turn, while also providing bounce.
He added that the pitch at Leeds would likely differ, and the team would adjust their preparations accordingly. The three‑Test series between England and Pakistan is set to commence on Wednesday, with the first ball scheduled for 11 am at Headingley. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Cricket, and streaming options are available through NOW for those without a contract. Additionally, the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast offers in‑depth analysis and commentary for listeners who want to stay updated on the latest developments.
For those interested in detailed statistics, all of today’s cricket scorecards are accessible via the Sky Sports app, which also provides live streaming, highlights, and exclusive content. The app is a convenient way to keep track of the series, especially for supporters who cannot attend the matches in person. In summary, Pakistan’s warm‑up win not only boosted their confidence but also highlighted key performers who could influence the forthcoming Test series. With Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten century and Imam‑ul‑Haq’s solid 80, the batting lineup appears well‑balanced and ready for the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, the spin department, led by Ali Usman’s five‑for, offers a potent weapon on English pitches that tend to assist turn as the series progresses. As the teams gear up for the first Test at Headingley, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how both sides adapt to the conditions, manage player workloads, and execute their game plans.
The stage is set for a compelling contest, and the early indicators suggest a competitive series that could swing either way depending on form, fitness, and tactical acumen. Fans can stream the matches, listen to expert podcasts, and stay updated via the Sky Sports platforms, ensuring they won’t miss any of the action as England and Pakistan battle for supremacy in the summer of 2026.