Pakistan Shaheens Beat Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Warm-up

Dubai: Usama Mir’s brilliant four-wicket haul, coupled with a collective batting effort, propelled Pakistan Shaheens to a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the fourth warm-up match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the ICC Academy on Monday.

Batting first, Bangladesh struggled to post a modest 202 in 38.2 overs, despite a resilient effort from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The right-handed batter top-scored with 44, while Soumya Sarkar (35) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (30) provided brief resistance.

Usama Mir was the pick of the bowlers for the Shaheens, claiming four wickets for just 43 runs. Right-arm pacer Musa Khan also made an impact with two wickets.

In reply, the Shaheens chased down the target with ease, losing only three wickets to secure their second victory in the warm-up matches.

Meanwhile, another Shaheens squad was in action against South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi but fell short, suffering a three-wicket defeat.

Batting first, the Shaheens posted a formidable 322/8 in their allotted 50 overs, led by skipper Muhammad Huraira and experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq.

Huraira starred with a brilliant 110 off 114 balls, striking 12 fours and a six, while Imam fell just short of a century, scoring 98 off 94 deliveries, including six fours and a six.

In response, South Africa successfully chased the target with seven wickets down and six balls to spare, thanks to solid half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (62), Ryan Rickelton (57), Tony de Zorzi (55), and Aiden Markram (54).

All-rounder Wiaan Mulder provided the finishing touches with a blistering 42 off 30 balls, smashing three fours and as many sixes.

For the Shaheens, Niaz Khan and Mehran Mumtaz were the most effective bowlers, picking up two wickets each.