Watch: Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel played some delightful strokes en route to their respective fifties in Pakistan’s tour match against the Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI.

On day one of Pakistan’s two-day tour match against Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI in Hambantota, Hasan Ali claimed 3-22 and Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-37 to bowl out the hosts for 196, of which Oshada Fernando made 113.

Shan Masood (83 in 67 balls) then led the charge as the tourists finished the day on 160-3, with Babar Azam on 14 and Saud Shakeel yet to score.

On the second day, Babar and Saud made merry against an attack where left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama was the only bowler to have played Test cricket.

Babar eventually retired out after scoring a 113-ball 79, a knock that included seven fours and a six. Shakeel, followed suit, after 61 from 86 balls: he hit six fours. Pakistan made 342 as Lakshitha Manasinghe claimed 4-82 and Praveen Jayawickrama 2-89.

The SLCP XI lost four early wickets, to Shaheen (one), Salman Agha (two), and Naseem Shah (one). However, Nuwanidu Fernando (31 not out) and Nipun Dhananjaya (26 not out) helped them save the match: the hosts were 88-4 when time ran out.

Sri Lanka will host Pakistan for two Test matches, from July 16 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, and from July 24 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. These are the first matches for both countries in the 2023-25 World Test Championship.

Watch Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel score fifties:

🎥 Highlights of @babarazam258 and @saudshak's half-centuries against SLC Board XI 👇#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/0XgIefXTkq

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 12, 2023