Azan Awais Falls Short As Shaheens Trail First Innings delivered a dramatic turn at the Hove match venue on July 30, 2025. As a steadfast opening batter, Azan Awais drove a resolute innings of 98 off 170 balls, hitting 15 fours, six to nearly seal a near‑century. His knock anchored the Pakistan Shaheens first innings total of 243. Yet despite his brilliance, the Professional County Club Select XI forged ahead to claim a first innings lead, underscoring missed opportunity. That pivotal moment redefined momentum in the contest. For more latest news checkout, Pakistan coverage.
Azan’s Near Century
Azan delivered an extraordinary knock, scoring 98 off 170 balls as the opening batter for Pakistan Shaheens at the Hove match venue. His performance featured 15 fours, six and showed remarkable resilience. This was a near-century, keeping hopes alive until the fall of his wicket. The tone was electric in the dressing room when he reached 90. His dismissal haunted the team, as a maiden ton slipped away at the wrong moment. The crowd felt the tension.
Azan’s effort framed the match’s narrative. The tour’s theme shifted around that moment. Azan Awais fought fiercely, but the century eluded him by just two runs. Analysts noted how weather delays influenced rhythm. The match commentary replayed every boundary. That innings became the headline: Azan Awais Falls Short As Shaheens Trail First Innings. It stayed etched in the record that day.
First Innings Summary
Pakistan Shaheens posted 243 all out in 69.2 overs. Shamyl Hussain added 42 runs in partnership with Azan. Rohail Nazir contributed 22 off 48 deliveries later on. Despite resilience, Shaheens lost wickets steadily. The team couldn’t convert solid starts into big scores. The bowling attack from County XI was disciplined. Nathan Gilchrist 3 50, Jafer Ali Chohan, and Alex Green each made an impact, stifling momentum.
Shaheens resumed from 185 for four. Azan fell when the score reached 191, opening the slide. Others offered modest support. Captain Saud Shakeel couldn’t bat due to injury. The final total reflected lost opportunity. The first innings lead slipped away. Shaheens lacked a century anchor. Their collapse in the 70th over ended hopes. The scorecard captured the fight, but also the failure to dominate fully. To Catch the latest sports action and scores, click here.
County XI Lead
By stumps, the Professional County Club Select XI had reached 288 for four. They gained a first innings lead of 45 runs on day two. The hosts overcame early trouble and grabbed control. The recovery revealed depth in their batting. The lead shifted the psychological edge. Pakistan Shaheens started with confidence but ended trailing.
The match pivoted heavily after a big partnership. Flintoff’s 39 helped, but the defining moment was next. The shift embodied the phrase: Azan Awais Falls Short As Shaheens Trail First Innings. That headline resonated across the pavilion. The hosts looked in charge going into day three. Their momentum felt unstoppable.
Spin Impact
Mushtaq Ahmed 2 68 exploited early movement and trapped two key wickets. Mir Hamza added a breakthrough as well. That double strike reduced County XI to 33 for three. Shaheens seized hope. But spin support faded later. Mehran Mumtaz grabbed Flintoff, slowing the scoring rate. The Spinner’s impact … it mattered.
That initial spin burst nearly tilted the game. It created pressure and triggered nervous shots. Shaheens looked in charge briefly. But County XI regrouped. That early spin impact faded under superior batting. The partnership to come neutralized it. Still, those wickets proved Shaheens had fight.
Benkenstein Standout
Luc Benkenstein rose gorgeously to Luc Benkenstein 154* off 201 balls. Bowled with power and poise, his innings featured 26 fours and a six. He then partnered with Ben Mayes 66* in an unbroken 181 run stand. That restored balance and propelled County XI past Shaheens’ total. The partnership was the game’s pivot.
Their stand hammered Shaheens’ chances. It turned the scoreboard in a crushing arc. The partnership showed real class and patience. Against disciplined bowling, they held firm. The result? A commanding first innings lead. That stand overshadowed Azan’s near-century. The headlines across cricket feeds echoed that dominance. To get all the latest news, click here.
Match Context
This was day two of a three‑day tour match played at the Hove match venue, the 1st Central County Ground in Sussex, on 30 July 2025. Pakistan Shaheens trailed due to that massive partnership and Azan’s dismissal. Weather delays played havoc on day one, but resilience showed. The match context centered on momentum swings. Weather, partnership, near-miss—each played a role.
In context, the phrase Azan Awais Falls Short As Shaheens Trail First Innings captured the emotional shift. The narrative mirrored a thriller. One wicket, one stand, one day change the outlook. Fans felt hope on day one, then dread on day two. The match turned around swiftly.
Azan’s Form
On day one, Azan Awais ended unbeaten on 94 at stumps. He shared a 78‑run opening stand with Shamyl Hussain. That showing followed his strong form as the leading run‑scorer in the one‑day series. He had top-scored repeatedly on tour. His rhythm looked smooth, timing flawless. He seemed destined for a maiden ton.
The form carried into next day until he lost concentration. His near-century reflected consistency. But classic form alone couldn’t change the result. That failure to convert highlighted the thin margins of cricket. The form remained promising. It underlined why his wicket mattered for Shaheens.
Match Summary Table
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
| Pakistan Shaheens | 243 all out | Azan Awais 98 off 170 balls, Shamyl Hussain 42, Rohail Nazir 22 |
| Professional County Club Select XI | 288–4 | Luc Benkenstein 154*, Ben Mayes 66*, unbroken 181 run stand |
| Shaheens Bowlers | – | Mushtaq Ahmed 2 68, Mir Hamza, Mehran Mumtaz |
| County XI Bowlers | – | Nathan Gilchrist 3 50, Jafer Ali Chohan, Alex Green |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Azan Awais and what happened in this match?
Azan Awais is a left‑handed opening batter for Pakistan Shaheens, and he scored 98 off 170 balls, missing a century by just two runs.
What was the first innings lead by the County XI?
The Professional County Club Select XI took a first innings lead of 45 runs after scoring 288–4 in response to Shaheens’ 243 all out.
Which Shaheens bowlers made early inroads?
Early breakthroughs came from Mushtaq Ahmed 2 68, Mir Hamza, and Mehran Mumtaz, denting County XI’s top order.
Who stood out with the bat for County XI?
Luc Benkenstein 154* and Ben Mayes 66* forged an unbroken 181‑run stand to steer the County XI to their lead.
How did Azan Awais perform on day one?
On day one, Azan Awais was 94 not out, anchoring the Shaheens at 185 for four by stumps.
