Hurricane knocks by Afridi, Imran

Shahid Afridi and Imran Farhat stroked whirlwind centuries as Pakistan Probables pulled off a 59-run victory over Chief Executive XI in the fifth and last practice match before a sizable crowd at the KRL stadium on Friday.

The hard-hitting Afridi almost cemented his place in the New Zealand-bound squad with a 115-ball 142 with 16 boundaries and four sixes to propel Pakistan Probables to 319 for five in 50 overs.

The Chief Executive XI made a spirited reply but finished at 260 for three - thanks to a breath-taking 135 not out by left-handed Imran Farhat. Imran belted 17 boundaries and two sixes in his 146-ball innings to claim the Man-of-the-Match award.

Together with fellow left-hander Taufiq Umer (58 off 80 with nine fours), Imran added 137 runs for opening wicket in 26 overs.

Comeback boys Shoaib Akhtar and Azhar Mahmood went wicketless. Shoaib, who looked fit despite putting on some weight, conceded 31 runs from his seven overs while Azhar conceded 40 off his seven overs.

Earlier, Shahid Afridi dominated a smashing 156-runs opening wicket stand with Imran Nazir who stroked 61 off 72 balls with eight boundaries.

Salim Elahi (20), Moin Khan (20), Naseer Ahmad (21), Shoaib Malik (24) made quick contributions late in the order after Afridi was called back.