Day 2 of the Scandic Cricket Challenge Series at the Svanholm Park ground here in Brøndby, proved to be a mixed day of fortune for the new look Danish side. Overcast conditions greeted the home side as the elected to bat on what looked to be a perfect batting surface. The ‘young Danes’ were soon in trouble however against some accurate and penetrating bowling form Mohammed Tariq Sarfaz 2 for 59 and Bilal Khan 1 for 28. The youngsters fought back in great style and determination through the exciting stroke play of Kamran Mahmood 41, and 30 Shezad Ahmed, but they were shocked again when further wickets fell to Finland’s best bowler in the match, Obaidullah Sadiqui, who took 4 for 40. Things began to look up again for the home side with some exciting batting Taha Ahmed 59 and Ali Ahktar 35 in a partnership of 90 runs, helping the Danes to amass a final total of 225 in 48.4 overs.

In reply the rejuvenated Finn’s also lost early wickets in their run chase. Home bowlers Basit Raja 4 for 28 and, Sair Anjum 0 for 18 were the pick of the early home attack. Finland were not prepared to lay down and die however, as middle order batsman Bilal Khan 28 and Zahidullah Sadique 28 pilled on the pressure in the middle phase of the innings. The Danes fought back in fine style and were indebted to a fine bowling spell from Aftab Ahmed 3 for 39, who was well supported by spinners Iyhas Suami 10/2/0/16 and Suleman Arshad 2 for 26, as the Finn’s were finally dismissed for a very respectable 148 in 44 overs as they continue to improve on a match to match basis.

National Team assistant coach, Bret Mulder, was pleased with the result but felt that there were still some areas to improve on, ‘As a unit we are continuing to improve in all areas of our game, I was particularly pleased with the partnerships our batters managed to create today, this is an area we have been working very hard on in our training programmes. I was also delighted with the performance of young leg spinner Iyhas Suami in what proved to be a difficult phase of the match. Of course there are a few areas of the game that we must continue to improve, like our fielding and concentration, but overall we are happy with the continued development of the team.’