Rain forces abandonment

By P. Subramanyam

LONDON, MAY 14. The three-day match between the touring Pakistani cricketers and Kent Cricket Club, for the Vodafone Challenge Series Trophy, ended in a draw on the third and final day, without a ball being bowled owing to heavy rain, at the St. Lawrence Cricket Ground in Canterbury here on Monday.

Thus, Pakistan's hopes of getting the much needed vital match practice prior to the first Test, against England at Lord's on Thursday, suffered a setback.

Kent had an overnight lead of exactly 100 runs with seven wickets on hand after reaching 94 for three, but rain came 20 minutes before the scheduled start this morning and was still steadily pouring some 90 minutes later. Thereafter, the weather failed to improve and the match was abandoned after the lunch interval.

Anwar, Elahi make merry

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan's opening batsmen - stylish left- handed Saeed Anwar and Saleem Elahi, showed little respect to the Kent bowling by thrashing them all around.

Resuming at 41 for no loss, the duo went added 266 runs in 58.4 overs - at a rate of 4.55 runs per over. After Saeed Anwar's dismissal at a personal score of 201 (230b, 5 x 6, 27 x 4) the tourists declared its innings six runs short of Kent's first innings score of 313 for five declared. Elahi, though a little bit subdued in his approach, was unbeaten on 94 (197 balls & 10 fours) and played the perfect foil to Anwar in their massive partnership.

The scores: Kent CC 313 for five decl. and 94 for three (D.P. Fulton 40) drew with Pakistan 307 for one decl. (Saeed Anwar 201, Saleem Elahi 94 not out).

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Section  : Sport
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