BECKENHAM, England: Pakistan delivered a resounding statement of intent on Saturday as they cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in their final warm-up fixture here at the Kent County Cricket Ground, completing the win inside three days to build invaluable momentum ahead of the crucial three-match Test series against England starting August 19.
🚨 PAKISTAN BEAT PCC SELECT XI BY 7 WICKETS 🚨
– Awais Zafar finishes it off in style as Pakistan beats PCC Select XI to win the warm-up game.
– The boys are ready to roar in the England series starting on 19th August in Leeds. 🇵🇰💚 pic.twitter.com/aqSRD2nSJg
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) August 15, 2026
The touring side made light work of their 262-run target, chasing it down in just 57.1 overs with only three wickets lost, showcasing the depth and resilience of their batting lineup. Leading the charge was the elegant Saud Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 100 off 147 deliveries, anchoring the chase with a masterclass in composure and strokeplay.
Saud Shakeel and Imam-ul-Haq seal chase in style
Pakistan’s pursuit of 262 runs got off to a steady start, but it was Saud Shakeel’s arrival at No. 3 following the early dismissal of opener Azan Awais (1) that truly set the tone for the chase. The left-handed batter displayed sublime form, striking 10 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten century, his innings a perfect blend of caution and aggression.
Saud Shakeel Post-Match Media Talk | Pakistan vs PCC Select XI | Three-Day Warm-Up Match
Scorecard: https://t.co/K7txX6kUGy#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/coSu3scvRF
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) August 15, 2026
Saud found an able partner in experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq, who produced a fluent 88-ball 80, laced with 13 exquisite boundaries. The duo shared a crucial 127-run partnership that effectively broke the back of the chase and left the home side with little room for a comeback.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan contributed a handy 33, while middle-order batter Awais Zafar remained unbeaten on 30, ensuring Pakistan crossed the finish line with time to spare. For PCC Select XI, Josh Hull, Manny Lumsden and Nathan Gilchrist managed one wicket apiece but could not stem the flow of runs.
Ali Usman runs riot with five-wicket haul
Earlier on the final day, Pakistan’s bowlers completed the demolition job they had begun on day two. Resuming their second innings from an overnight score of 128 for 3, PCC Select XI could only manage 66 additional runs before being bundled out for 194 in 41.1 overs.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman was the wrecker-in-chief, producing a sensational spell of 5 for 42 in 9.1 overs. His variations and accuracy proved too much for the home batsmen, who struggled to read his deliveries on a surface offering subtle turn. Ubaid Shah provided able support with two wickets, while Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan and Mohammad Ali chipped in with one scalp apiece.
Opener Falconer, who had laid the foundation with a spirited half-century on the previous day, remained the top-scorer for PCC Select XI with a run-a-ball 56, featuring 10 fours. Saif Zaib and Manny Lumsden contributed 24 each, but their efforts proved insufficient against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.
A confidence-boosting victory ahead of test series
The comprehensive win comes at the perfect time for Pakistan, who are seeking their first Test series victory in England since 1954. The touring side had already shown glimpses of their potential with a convincing performance in the first warm-up match against Kent, and this dominant display against a competitive PCC Select XI further bolsters their confidence.
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The batting unit, in particular, will take immense heart from the chase. Saud Shakeel’s form is a massive positive for Pakistan, given his ability to anchor innings and counter spin on turning tracks. Imam-ul-Haq’s fluent half-century also signals that the opener is finding his rhythm at the right time.
Bowling attack finds its rhythm
Pakistan’s bowling combination also looked in fine fettle, with Ali Usman emerging as a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs. The spin department, featuring Salman Ali Agha and Sajid Khan alongside Usman, poses a formidable challenge for England’s batsmen, especially if pitches begin to take turn as the series progresses.
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The pace battery, led by Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah, also impressed with their discipline and ability to extract bounce on English surfaces. The combination of pace and spin gives Pakistan multiple attacking options, making them a well-rounded unit capable of exploiting any conditions.
As the countdown to August 19 begins, Pakistan’s fans will be hoping that the promise shown at Beckenham translates into a memorable Test series performance. For now, the team can take pride in a job well done, knowing that they have ticked all the right boxes in their preparations for the ultimate challenge ahead.
