As the cricket world buzzes with anticipation, Pakistan Shaheens are rewriting the script on their England tour, showcasing resilience and raw talent that could redefine Asian cricket’s future. From July 29 to August 3, 2025, the Shaheens will lock horns with a Professional County Club Select XI and the South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers in a pair of thrilling three-day matches at Hove and Canterbury. Fresh off a hard-fought 2-1 victory in a three-match ODI series against the County Select XI, ending with a dramatic five-wicket chase on July 27, the Shaheens are riding a wave of momentum.
The Shaheens’ ODI series against the County Select XI was a masterclass in adaptability. The tour kicked off with a rain-interrupted triumph on July 22, where Saud Shakeel’s squad clinched a five-wicket win via the DLS method, setting a bold tone. A seven-wicket defeat on July 25 tested their mettle, but the team roared back on July 27 with a nail-biting chase of 261, sealing the series 2-1. This rollercoaster of emotions showcased Pakistan’s ability to thrive under pressure, with standout performances turning heads across the cricketing globe.
Left-handed opener Azan Awais emerged as the series’ batting kingpin, amassing 164 runs across three matches at an impressive average of 54.67. His twin half-centuries, studded with 16 boundaries and two sixes, anchored the innings, particularly in the decisive third ODI. Speaking to PCB Digital on July 27, Awais shared, “The conditions here are challenging because the new ball tends to seam and swing… My aim was to bat through, and I was able to carry that momentum.” His 100-run opening stand with Shamyl Hussain in the final match provided a rock-solid foundation, proving his mettle against England’s tricky early overs.
Right-handed dynamo Haider Ali, with a storied past in two ODIs and 35 T20Is for Pakistan, lit up the series with 141 runs at a blistering strike rate of 128.18. His two half-centuries in the first and third ODIs were pivotal, blending aggression with composure. Ali’s knack for turning games—especially in the series-clinching chase—highlights his evolution into a match-winner, adding depth to the Shaheens’ batting lineup.
At just 19, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah stole the show with six wickets, including a standout 4 for 41 in the third ODI’s victory. His attacking approach, honed alongside veteran Mir Hamza, showcased his ability to exploit England’s pace-friendly pitches. Ubaid told PCB Digital, “The pitches in England suit fast bowlers quite well, and I tried to utilise that to the best of my ability… It’s a different kind of cricket compared to what we see in Pakistan.” His rapid rise signals a new era for Pakistan’s pace attack, blending youth with experience.
Ubaid’s collaboration with Hamza, a seasoned Pakistan international, offered invaluable insights into length and effort on English surfaces. This mentorship has fueled his confidence as the Shaheens gear up for red-ball cricket, promising to carry his form into the upcoming three-day fixtures.
The Shaheens kick off their three-day campaign on July 29 at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove, facing the Professional County Club Select XI. This match will test their adaptability to longer formats, with Awais aiming to “carry this form into the three-day format” and Ubaid eager to “execute the simple plan given by the coaches.” Expect a battle of attrition, where Pakistan’s pace battery, led by Shah, could dominate on a pitch known for its bounce.
The second fixture, from August 3 at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, pits the Shaheens against the South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers. This encounter offers a chance to fine-tune strategies ahead of future tours, with Awais and Shah looking to build on their ODI heroics. The Canterbury ground’s history of favoring spin could challenge Pakistan’s batsmen, adding intrigue to the contest.
This England tour is a crucible for Pakistan’s next generation. Awais’s disciplined anchoring and Ubaid’s fiery bowling signal a pipeline of talent ready to step up on the international stage. Their performances could secure spots in the national squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The Shaheens’ success bolsters Pakistan’s cricketing reputation, countering recent setbacks like the 2024 home series loss to Bangladesh. A strong showing in England, a traditional cricketing powerhouse, enhances Pakistan’s standing in global rankings and boosts morale ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan’s gritty triumphs inspire emerging cricketing nations, proving that adaptability and teamwork can overcome challenging conditions. This tour’s outcomes could influence selection strategies and coaching philosophies across Asia, elevating the region’s competitive edge.
Transitioning from ODIs to three-day matches demands a shift in mindset. Awais’s focus on survival and Ubaid’s plan to maintain attacking lengths will be key. The Hove and Canterbury pitches, known for variable bounce and seam movement, will test Pakistan’s technical prowess, offering a chance to hone skills for Test cricket.
The Shaheens’ ODI series win provides psychological edge, but consistency is crucial. Facing seasoned county players and young MCC cricketers will push their limits, potentially exposing weaknesses but also unlocking new strengths under pressure.
Social media is abuzz with praise for Awais and Shah, with fans on X hailing the “future of Pakistan cricket” after the July 27 win. This excitement could draw global attention to the three-day games, boosting Pakistan’s international profile if they deliver.
Pakistan Shaheens are carving a bold path on their England tour, turning adversity into opportunity with stellar performances from Azan Awais and Ubaid Shah. Their 2-1 ODI series victory, capped by a thrilling July 27 chase, sets the stage for a commanding showing in the three-day matches at Hove and Canterbury starting July 29. As they conquer English conditions with grit and flair, the Shaheens are not just winning games—they’re igniting a cricketing revolution that could reshape Pakistan’s future and inspire Asia. Tune in as these rising stars aim to leave an indelible mark on the global stage!
