Ackerman secures draw for Leicestershire

Leicestershire drew their opening fixture of the 2005 season, a three-day warm-up match against a PCB XI in Lahore, although they needed the services of their captain, HD Ackerman to ensure against defeat after an astonishing new-ball spell from Mohammad Irshad.

Late on the second day, Irshad had ripped through Leicestershire's top order, removing Darren Robinson, John Maunders and John Sadler all for ducks, and when Darren Maddy retired ill overnight, the onus was on Ackerman to dig in for his team. He did not disappoint, recording a fine 102, aided by 41 from Jeremy Snape and some solid contributions from the tail.

Phil DeFreitas then grabbed two wickets in three deliveries as the PCB XI chased an improbable 287 for victory, but the match ended at 81 for 2 and with honours even.