Pakistan Shaheens clinch ODI series 2-1 against PCC Select XI after victory in decider

Pakistan Shaheens defeated the Professional County Club Select XI by 5 wickets in the decisive third ODI at County Ground Hove on Sunday, claiming the three-match series 2-1, the 24NewsHD TV reported. 

 Chasing a target of 261, the Shaheens reached home comfortably in 43.5 overs for the loss of five wickets, thanks to standout performances by Azaan Owais and Haider Ali.

Azaan played a commanding knock of 88 runs off the top, while Haider Ali remained unbeaten on 55 to see the team through to a series-clinching win.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens' captain won the toss and elected to bowl first.

The PCC Select XI were bowled out for 260 runs in 46.4 overs.

Oli Sykes led the scoring with a solid 64, hitting two sixes and five boundaries. He was well-supported by Tom Lewis, who struck 49 runs with three fours and three sixes. The pair added 86 crucial runs for the fourth wicket.

The most effective bowler for the Shaheens was Ubaid Shah, who claimed four wickets for 41 runs, helping restrict the hosts to a chaseable total.

Pakistan’s chase began with a strong foundation as openers Azaan Owais and Shamyl Hussain forged a 102-run opening stand.

Shamyl contributed 40 runs, including four boundaries, while Azaan Owais anchored the innings with a composed 88 off the back of 12 fours and one six.

Middle-order batter Muhammad Suleman added momentum to the innings with an entertaining 44 that included three sixes and four boundaries. 

Later, Haider Ali sealed the match in style. The right-hander remained not out on 55 off just 40 deliveries, laced with five fours and three sixes.