Awais Zafar's ton, Ali's five-for headline as Pakistan-West Indies warm-up match ends in draw

TAROUBA: Pakistan captain Babar Azam and opener Azan Awais struck commanding centuries before pacer Mohammad Ali claimed a five-wicket haul as Pakistan's four-day warm-up match against the West Indies XI ended in a draw at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan declared their first innings on 455-4 in 136.5 overs after impressive contributions from the top order, with Babar and Azan leading the charge. Shan Masood and Abdullah Fazal also registered half-centuries.

Azan produced a patient 100 from 241 deliveries, hitting nine fours and a six, while Babar made an elegant 100 off 152 balls, including 12 fours and a six. Both batters retired hurt after reaching their centuries.

Masood added a fluent 70 from 100 deliveries, striking 10 fours, while Fazal scored 50 off 97 balls with six boundaries. Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 46 from 60 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 44 from 103 balls, including one six.

For the West Indies XI, Ryan Bandoo returned figures of 2/86, while Ojay Shields and Jomel Warrican claimed one wicket each.

In reply, the hosts were bowled out for 279 in 89.5 overs, thanks largely to an outstanding spell from Mohammad Ali, who finished with 5/37 in 15.5 overs.

Spinner Ali Usman and all-rounder Aamer Jamal provided excellent support with two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Abbas picked up one.

Kavem Hodge top-scored with a fighting 92 from 130 deliveries, striking 14 fours and a six. 

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 51 off 155 balls with five fours and a six, while unbeaten batter Jyd Goolie added 47 from 112 deliveries. Captain Jomel Warrican also contributed 31 from 84 balls, including five boundaries.

Holding a first-innings lead of 176, Pakistan reached 219-4 in 60.1 overs in their second innings before the match was drawn, extending their overall lead to 395.

Awais Zafar led the way with a superb 128 from 190 deliveries, smashing eight fours and eight sixes. 

Abdullah Fazal made a brisk 48 from 48 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Ali Usman scored 41 off 63 deliveries with six boundaries. Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha added 14 runs each.

Warrican claimed two wickets in the second innings, while Anderson Phillip and Ojay Shields took one wicket each.