Pakistan arrived at Headingley on Wednesday ready to fine‑tune their game ahead of the opening Test against England, and they did so in style, cruising to a seven‑wicket triumph over a County Select XI. The win was anchored by a resilient unbeaten century from Saud Shakeel, who displayed a blend of patience and power, and a solid 80‑run contribution from Imam‑ul‑Haq, which together set the tone for a confident display.
The match unfolded in Beckenham, where the touring side was set a target of 262 runs to claim victory on the third and final day. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Pakistan chased down the requirement in just 57.1 overs, a chase that was underpinned by disciplined batting and effective bowling.
England’s spinner Shoaib Bashir, who had earlier taken 4‑76 in 20.2 overs, returned to bowl eight overs in the second innings, conceding only 45 runs without taking a wicket. His figures reflected the challenging conditions and the dominance of the Pakistani batsmen. Bashir’s performance has sparked speculation that he could earn a spot in England’s XI for the upcoming Test at Leeds, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. However, the home side may opt for a pace‑heavy attack, potentially recalling Dan Lawrence, who is slated to bat at number six, while seasoned captain Joe Root could provide the spin option.
The England squad also includes opening batsman Emilio Gay and seam bowler Matt Fisher, both of whom featured in the Beckenham fixture but were released from duties after the final day. Gay’s outing was brief and unproductive, as he was dismissed for a pair, while the host side posted totals of 305 and 195 before being bowled out. Fisher, on the other hand, contributed a quickfire 62 not out from 53 balls in England’s first innings, before delivering a tidy spell of 1‑15 from 11 overs when Pakistan began their reply with 238 runs on the board. In Pakistan’s first innings, the standout was Abdullah Shafique, who top‑scored with 61 runs, anchoring the innings and providing stability.
The bowling department shone in the second innings, highlighted by a five‑wicket haul from left‑arm spinner Ali Usman, whose turn and bounce troubled the English batsmen and helped seal the win. The match was not without drama.
On day two, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam suffered a scare when he was struck on the hand by a delivery from Hampshire’s promising fast bowler Manny Lumsden. The injury forced Babar to retire hurt, prompting immediate medical advice that he sit out the remainder of the game. The Pakistan Cricket Board later clarified that Babar would resume training at Headingley on Monday, indicating that his injury was not deemed serious enough to jeopardise his participation in the forthcoming Test.
Following the victory, Babar addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of the warm‑up match for the team’s preparation. 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 it improved after a couple of days. We have to adapt and perform, and this win gives us confidence." He also reflected on the conditions, noting that the surface in Beckenham was slightly dry with some turn, offering bounce that could be useful for both seamers and spinners. "I’m not sure what the conditions will be like in the first Test, but seeing the pitch here, it’s a bit dry and the ball is turning.
It will be slightly different in Leeds, and we will prepare accordingly," Babar added. Fans can follow the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket, with the first ball scheduled for 11 am at Headingley on Wednesday. The series will also be available for streaming via NOW, allowing viewers to watch cricket and other top‑level sports without a contract.
Additional content, such as the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast and daily scorecards, can be accessed through the Sky Sports app, ensuring that enthusiasts stay up‑to‑date with every development throughout the tour. Overall, the warm‑up win not only boosted Pakistan’s morale but also offered valuable insights into player form and tactical options ahead of the high‑stakes Test series.
With key batsmen in form, a potent spin attack, and the captain’s confidence restored, Pakistan appears well‑prepared to challenge England on their home turf.