Batting first after winning the toss against the Prime Minister’s XI in a warm-up game, Pakistan posted a competitive 391/9 in the opening innings, largely credited to Shan Masood’s efforts.
Masood, the newly appointed Pakistan skipper, amassed an unbeaten 201 before opting to give the bowlers an opportunity.
Despite an initial struggle by the pace attack with the new ball, conceding 96 runs for the opening wicket, Khurram Shahzad and Abrar Ahmed eventually provided breakthroughs, reducing the score to 112/2.
Cam Green fell short of a half-century with 46 runs, leaving Renshaw with the opportunity to reach the milestone. In an unexpected turn during the 78th over, Ahmed delivered a ball to Renshaw, who elegantly drove it through extra cover.
You don't see this every day! Matthew Renshaw brings up his half-century … with a seven! #PMXIvPAK pic.twitter.com/0Fx1Va00ZE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2023
Though the mid-off fielder prevented the ball from reaching the boundary, his throw back to the bowler’s end led to a series of events. Babar Azam, at the receiving end, attempted a direct hit at the stumps but missed, inadvertently allowing Renshaw not only to secure his half-century but also to add seven runs to his personal tally.