Pakistan arrived in England ready to fine‑tune their preparations for the first Test at Headingley, and they did so with a convincing seven‑wicket triumph over a County Select XI. The match, staged in Beckenham, saw Saud Shakeel compile an unbeaten century while his teammate Imam ul‑Haq contributed a solid 80 runs, setting the tone for a confident display. Chasing a target of 262 on the third and final day, the visitors reached the required total in just 57.1 overs. England spinner Shoaib Bashir, who had taken an impressive 4‑76 from 20.2 overs in the first innings, was limited to 0‑45 in eight overs during the chase.
Bashir hopes his performance will earn him a place in the England XI for the upcoming Test at Leeds, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The home side, however, may opt for a fully pace‑driven attack, potentially recalling Dan Lawrence—who is slated to bat at number six—while captain Joe Root could provide the spin option.
Among the England Test squad members who featured in the Beckenham fixture were opening batsman Emilio Gay and seam bowler Matt Fisher, alongside Bashir. Both Gay and Fisher were released from the squad on the final day. Gay struggled, recording a pair of ducks as the hosts posted totals of 305 and 195, both all‑out. Fisher, on the other hand, made a more positive contribution, smashing an unbeaten 62 off 53 balls in the first innings and then delivering economical figures of 1‑15 from 11 overs as Pakistan compiled 238 in their opening spell.
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 five wickets in the second innings, underscoring the potency of Pakistan’s spin department. The visitors did face a moment of concern on day two when captain Babar Azam was forced to retire hurt after a delivery from Hampshire youngster Manny Lumsden struck his hand. Medical advice recommended that he sit out the remainder of the match, but the Pakistan Cricket Board later confirmed that Babar would resume training at Headingley on Monday, indicating his readiness for the upcoming Test.
Following the win, Babar Azam reflected on the value of the warm‑up fixture: “It’s an excellent preparation for us ahead of the Test series. The pitch was a little tricky at the start but improved after a couple of days. We need to get ready for the main game and it’s great to go out and perform.” He added that while the conditions in Beckenham were slightly dry and offered turn, the pitch at Headingley would likely behave differently, providing more bounce. “We’ll adjust our preparation accordingly,” he said.
The three‑match series between England and Pakistan will kick off on Wednesday, with the first ball scheduled for 11 a.m. at Headingley.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports Cricket, and the matches are also available for streaming via NOW without a contract. For those who prefer audio coverage, the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast offers in‑depth analysis and commentary. Beyond the immediate match details, this warm‑up game serves as a microcosm of the strategic considerations both sides will weigh heading into the Test series. Pakistan’s reliance on a blend of solid top‑order batting—exemplified by Shakeel’s unbeaten hundred and Imam’s steady 80—combined with effective spin options, suggests they aim to exploit any turn or variable bounce the English pitches might provide.
Conversely, England’s selection dilemma—whether to field an all‑pace attack or balance it with spin—will hinge on how the conditions evolve in Leeds. The inclusion of experienced campaigners like Dan Lawrence and the leadership of Joe Root adds depth, while the performances of emerging talents such as Shoaib Bashir will be closely monitored. Overall, the warm‑up victory not only boosts Pakistan’s confidence but also offers valuable insights into player form, pitch behavior, and tactical adjustments. As both teams gear up for a highly anticipated Test series, the lessons learned in Beckenham will undoubtedly shape the strategies and selections that unfold on the historic grounds of Headingley.