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Lahore, Dec 22: Pakistan XI registered a facile 9-wicket win over Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Eleven in the 35-over-a-side practice match here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

A crowd of around 10,000 watched the low-scoring game. Opener Aamir Sohail hit a captain's knock of 76, studded with 10 elegant boundaries. But he did not get enough support from the other PCB XI batsmen, who failed to rise up to the challenge because of methodical bowling by the Pakistan XI, spearheaded by Captain Wasim Akram.

The left-arm paceman Wasim Akram took three wickets for 14 runs in his six lethal overs which sent the PCB XI reeling at 151 for eight in its quota of 35 overs. Wasim Akram had put in the PCB XI to bat after winning the toss.

Pakistan XI scored the required 152 runs in only 25 overs, losing Saeed Anwar only. In his stay of 70 minutes at the crease, Saeed Anwar scored 44 with the help of five fours and a big six. He, along with Wajahatullah Wasti, scored 95 for the first wicket partnership in 70 minutes. Saeed Anwar was adjudged leg before wicket on a delivery from Mushtaq Ahmad.

Ijaz Ahmad and Wajahatullah Wasti thrilled the crowd with real fireworks, adding 57 runs for the unbroken second wicket stand in only 36 minutes. Wajahatullah Wasti scored 56 in 107 minutes, hitting nine well-timed boundaries. His partner Ejaz Ahmad hit five fours in his knock of 37. He batted for 36 minutes.

Wasim Akram sent back Imran Nazir (2), Muhammad Wasim (0) and Hasan Raza (10) to make early inroads in the PCB XI innings. However, Aamir Sohail kept one end blocked but the wickets fell at regular intervals.

Only other batsmen who reached the double figures were Kamran Akmal (21 with 3 fours) and Mushtaq Ahmad (16 not out).

Aamir Sohail was finally caught by Yousuf Youhanna on the bowling of Shahid Nazir. The PCB XI left the Pakistan Eleven an easy target of 152, which it achieved without much difficulty.

© Dawn