Patron's XI batsmen dominate Sri Lanka

Patron's XI opening batsmen Ahmed Shahzad and Azhar Ali notched up centuries against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the two-day warm-up match Tuesday.

The home team finished the day at an impressive 395-4 at the Defence Stadium with Pakistan Test hopeful Asim Kamal batting on 18 and Sarfraz Ahmed not out on 13.

The 19-year-old Shahzad had 22 boundaries and a six in his 174-ball knock of 146 before he retired hurt when paceman Thilan Thushara's delivery hit him on the groin. The 23-year-old Ali needed 54 deliveries before he scored his first run after nearly 1 1/2 hours as Patron's XI captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat first.

Shahzad dominated the first wicket stand of 204 runs with Ali before he was retired hurt as Chaminda Vaas removed Pakistan Test discard Bazid Khan (11) cheaply.

Ali, who was dropped on 74 by captain Mahela Jaywardena in the slip off the bowling of Muttiah Muralidaran, went on to complete his century with nine fours and two sixes before he was shortly caught afterward in the covers by Tharanga Paranavitana off medium fast Farveez Maharoof.

Afridi (49 off 29 balls) then toiled with Sri Lankan bowling in his typical aggressive style, hitting eight fours and a six before he holed out in the deep that gave Ajantha Mendis his first wicket.

Muralidaran bowled 11 overs but conceded 51 runs without taking a wicket.

Sri Lanka returned to Pakistan for the two Test matches after winning the one-day series 2-1 last month.

The first Test is set for Feb. 21-25, while Lahore will host the second Test from March 1-5.

Scores:

Patron's XI first innings: 395-4 (Ahmed Shahzad 146 retired hurt, Azhar Ali 100, Shahid Afridi 49; Chaminda Vaas 1-27, Farveez Maharoof 1-30, Tillakaratne Dilshan 1-43, Ajantha Mendis 1-69)