Pakistan find batting rhythm in Kent draw

Umar Amin and Fawad Alam both hit half-centuries as Pakistan's opening first-class tour match against Kent finished in a draw here on Wednesday.

The tourists made the most of a kind wicket to pick up some welcome batting practice as they extended their second innings total to 264 for four before acting captain Salman Butt declared shortly prior to tea.

Chasing 365, Kent were spurred on by a handsome century stand from openers Joe Denly (69) and Chris Piesley (43), before both men fell in the final half-hour of play.

Denly was trapped leg before by Abdur Rehman, with Piesley caught behind off the bowling of Shoaib Malik.

The home side made 150-3 before the teams shook hands on the draw.

The only concern for the visitors was an injury to skipper Shahid Afridi, but Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said it was nothing to worry about.

"Our physiotherapist has just got back from London with Shahid Afridi and the scan showed a small muscle rupture in his side," he said.

"He's been asked to rest for two days and have some treatment, then we'll re-asses things, but we're hopeful he will be fine."

Pakistan are to play two Twenty20 matches and two Tests against Australia in a series shifted to England over security fears.

They will then play four Tests, two Twenty20 games and five one-day internationals against England.