Karachi, Aug.9 : Controversial Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar on Friday put in an impressive performance in a practice game in Multan that could very well convince the national selectors to include him the national squad for the Champions Trophy.

Braving hot and humid conditions, Akhtar bowled nine overs, picked up two wickets in the day-night match arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to judge the form and fitness of the national cricketers.

The selectors are to name Pakistan's 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy on August 11 after witnessing another practice match to be played on Sunday.

A selector told 'The News' that Shoaib looked a bit rusty in his first spell but gained fine rhythm in the next spell. He got better with each over and that is a good sign."

Umar Gul, the other Pakistani pacer with a question mark on his fitness, did not play in the match.Young fast bowler Abdul Rauf and rookie spinner Saeed Ajmal also picked up two wickets apiece in the match that was contested by teams formed by 27 of the 30 members of Pakistan's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.

ANI