Pakistan used a warm‑up encounter to fine‑tune their preparations for the opening Test against England at Headingley, emerging victorious by seven wickets against a County Select XI. The match was highlighted by an unbeaten century from Saud Shakeel and a solid 80 from Imam‑ul‑Haq, both of which underscored Pakistan's batting depth and readiness for the challenges ahead. The game unfolded in Beckenham, where the visitors were set a target of 262 runs to win on the third and final day. Demonstrating composure and efficient run‑chasing, Pakistan achieved the required total in just 57.1 overs.
England’s spinner Shoaib Bashir, who had previously impressed with figures of 4‑76 from 20.2 overs in the first innings, bowled a tight spell in the second innings, conceding only 45 runs from eight overs without taking a wicket. His performance, though economical, highlighted the need for the England side to consider their bowling options carefully as they approach the Leeds Test. Bashir is hopeful of earning a place in the England XI for the Leeds encounter, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. However, the home side may opt for an all‑pace attack, potentially recalling Dan Lawrence, who is expected to bat at number six, while captain Joe Root could provide the spin element.
The England squad also includes opening batsman Emilio Gay and seam bowler Matt Fisher, both of whom featured in the Beckenham match before being released from duties on the final day. Gay struggled with the bat, recording a pair as England posted totals of 305 all out in the first innings and 195 all out in the second.
In contrast, Fisher contributed a quickfire 62 not out from 53 balls in England's first innings and later returned economical figures 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 spin department shone as left‑arm spinner Ali Usman claimed a five‑wicket haul in the second innings, further emphasizing the potency of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The match also featured a moment of drama when Pakistan captain Babar Azam was forced to retire hurt after a delivery from Hampshire’s promising paceman Manny Lumsden struck his hand. Although Babar was advised to sit out the remainder of the game, a PCB statement confirmed he would resume training at Headingley on Monday, indicating his recovery is on track. Speaking after the win, Babar Azam praised the warm‑up as an essential step in their Test preparation. He noted, "The pitch was a bit challenging early on but improved after a couple of days.
It’s crucial for us to adapt, and this match gave us the chance to do just that." He added that while the conditions in Beckenham were slightly dry with some turn, the upcoming Leeds venue would present different characteristics, likely offering more bounce. "We will adjust our game plan accordingly," he affirmed. The match also served as a platform for Pakistan to test combinations and assess player form ahead of the high‑stakes series. Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten hundred demonstrated his ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when needed, and Imam‑ul‑Haq’s 80 provided a solid middle‑order foundation.
Their performances, combined with the effective spell from Ali Usman, suggest Pakistan have a balanced side capable of both building large totals and taking wickets at crucial moments. Fans can follow the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket, with the first ball scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday at Headingley. The broadcast will also be available via the NOW streaming service, offering a contract‑free way to watch cricket and other major sports.
Additionally, listeners can tune into the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast for in‑depth analysis and commentary throughout the series. For those interested in real‑time updates, all today’s cricket scorecards are accessible online, and the Sky Sports app provides a convenient way to stay informed on scores, player statistics, and match highlights.
The upcoming Test series promises a compelling contest between two strong cricketing nations, with Pakistan looking to carry the momentum from their warm‑up win into a competitive performance on English soil.