Matthew Renshaw became the unlikely hero of a bizarre incident in the warm-up match between Pakistan and Prime Minister’s XI, scoring seven runs off a single ball to reach his half-century in dramatic fashion. Renshaw drove the ball through the covers off Abrar Ahmed in the penultimate ball of the 24th over.
Mir Hamza, fielding at long-off, made a full-stretch dive and kept the ball in play. However, his heroic effort was undone by a series of unfortunate errors. Hamza’s strong throw from the deep found Babar Azam at the non-striker’s end. Babar, in a rush to effect a run-out at the striker’s end, threw the ball with considerable force.
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Unfortunately, the ball sailed past both wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed and skipper Shan Masood, rolling to the boundary ropes. This unexpected turn of events allowed Matthew Renshaw to scamper through for four runs, completing his half-century in the most unusual manner.
You don’t see this every day! Matthew Renshaw brings up his half-century … with a seven! #PMXIvPAK pic.twitter.com/0Fx1Va00ZE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2023
The incident highlighted the importance of composure and accuracy in the field, as a moment of lapse in concentration can prove costly.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had posted a respectable total of 391/9 declared, thanks to a superb double century from skipper Shan Masood. The southpaw, batting at No.3, remained unbeaten on 201, facing 298 deliveries and hitting 14 fours and one six.
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Abdullah Shafique (38), Babar Azam (40), and Sarfaraz Ahmed (41) also chipped in with valuable contributions. Jordan Buckingham was the pick of the bowlers for PMXI, claiming five wickets for 80 runs. Following the conclusion of the warm-up match, Pakistan will turn their attention to the first Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on December 14th at the Perth Stadium. The remaining two Tests will be held in Melbourne and Sydney.
