Pakistan pile on 455-4 as Awais and Babar Azam strike centuries in Trinidad warm-up

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Pakistan's top order took control on the second day of a four-day warm-up against a West Indies Select XI, with centuries from Azan Awais and captain Babar Azam driving a strong batting effort at the halfway point of the fixture.

The visitors finished the day on 455 for four at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Both centurions reached three figures on level scores before each stepped away from the crease.

Awais picked up from his overnight 78 and completed his hundred from 241 balls, but retired hurt soon after, ending a partnership worth 100 runs with Azam.

Azam added 79 more alongside Abdullah Fazal and reached his century from 151 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and one six. He retired shortly after the landmark, and Fazal did the same once he had passed fifty.

Off-spinner Ryan Bandoo was the only bowler to take wickets on the day. He had Salman Ali Agha stumped by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva for 46 and later bowled Aamir Jamal for 22.

When stumps were drawn after Jamal's dismissal, Muhammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 44 from 103 balls. Bandoo's figures to date are two for 86.