LONDON – Imam-ul-Haq top scored with 61 as Pakistan were bowled out for 168on the first day of their tour opener against Kent at Canterbury onSaturday.

Left-hander Imam, the 22-year-old nephew of chief selector and former Testbatsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, resisted with 61 off 111 balls while Hasan Alicontributed 24 off 11 balls in the tourists’ unimpressive start to theirtour of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss on an overcast morning andchose to bat in the four-day fixture.

Openers Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali started steadily before Azhar (15), goingfor a booming drive, was clean bowled by Will Gidman.

And 28 for one became 28 for two when Aslam (13) was lbw to Harry Podmore.

Gidman also had Haris Sohail lbw for five in a miserly return of two for 16in eight overs.

Uncapped at Test level, Imam – who made a century on his one-dayinternational debut against Sri Lanka in October – hit nine 4s in hisinnings before falling lbw to Gidman.

Gidman led the wickets tally for Kent with five for 47.

After this match, Pakistan face Northamptonshire before providing theopposition for Ireland´s inaugural Test, in Malahide, from May 11-15.

They then return across the Irish Sea for a two-Test series against England.