Mongia takes on tourists

Pakistan kicked off their tour of England against Leicestershire today, and whilst they may fancy their chances in the Test series against an England side weakened by injuries and currently being trounced in an ODI series against Sri Lanka, it was a majestic Indian making the biggest impact at Grace Road.

Dinesh Mongia arrived at the crease with the score at 15/2. Fast bowler Mahammad Sami had removed Boyce and his new ball partner Umar Gul had South African HD Ackerman caught by Faisal Iqbal. Mongia and Robinson consolidated, but it was only after part-time bowler Imran Farhat bowled Robinson that Leicestershire gained any momentum.

Mongia and his new partner John Sadler put on 174 for the fourth wicket. Sadler struck 3 sixes and 14 fours in his entertaining 92 before providing Farhat a second wicket witha return catch.

Leicestershire then collapsed, losing their next five wickets for 68 runs, but Mongia continued on his merry way, reaching 129 before Leicestershire declared, giving them a short spell at the Pakistani openers at the end of the day.

The Pakistani openers Butt and Farhat succesfully negotiated that short spell and the Pakistani batsman will be looking to better Mongia tomorrow.

Leicestershire 315/9 dec.
Dinesh Mongia 129*, John Sadler 92
Mohammad Sami 3-53, Imran Farhat 2-8

Pakistan 14/0
Imran Farhat 7*, Salman Butt 7*