Dubai: The two-day format of the Danube Test Series being held at the ICC Academy here is producing the desired effect as batsmen are able to play long innings and score centuries.
Ijaz Bashir of Al Faraa became the second in the tournament to reach three figures following Pakistan Test star Hasan Raza of Alubond in the previous match. One of the main objectives of this event is to ensure that cricketers here get into the habit of spending long periods at the wicket, as the majority of tournaments here are in the Twenty20 format.
Bashir’s unbeaten 103 in the second innings of the match against GMW Royals ensured his team earned a draw, though the Royals had the better of it thanks to their first innings lead.
GMW resumed play at 127 for six, but quickly lost both overnight batsman. Ishtiaq Ghouri only added two to his overnight score of 16, while Khalid Latif fell without adding to his 49. Both were out caught at slip off Sudhir Singh.
At that stage it looked like GMW would trail after the first innings, but tailenders Wasim Ashraf and Zain-ul-Abdin put on a 41-run partnership to ensure they went past Al Faraa’s total of 164. Wasim hit 36 and Zain scored 21.
GMW were eventually bowled out for 188 in 51.2 overs. Hafeez-ur-Rehman bagged four wickets.
In their second innings, Al Faraa picked up three three batting points before declaring at 213 for five in 61.5 overs.
Bashir scored an unbeaten century, while his brother Babar hit 46.
GMW Royals took 20 points to take their total tally to 25. Al Faraa gained 10 points in this match to add to their previous eight.
