THE Rawalpindi Express will steam in at Welfare Park tonight as part of Blackhall Cricket Club's 75th anniversary, writes Paul Fraser.

Durham Dynamos, with Shoaib Akhtar in attack, have named a strong team to play the NYSD Premier League side and hopes are high that it will be a memorable match.

The Blackhall line-up will be boosted by a number of local league stars, including Steve Chapman, Marlon Black and Clint Heron, and Durham's chief executive David Harker was keen to see the county side play a part in the special birthday party.

"We appreciate that volunteers help keep cricket afloat so we are thrilled to be able to put something back."

Blackhall chairman Mark Cushlow said: "We wanted to mark the club's 75th year with a special event and we are delighted that Durham have agreed to send a full-strength team."

Durham head coach Martyn Moxon see the friendly as ideal preparation for their Twenty20 Cup push which starts on July 9, when Lancashire Lightening visit the Riverside.

Moxon said: "With such a hectic fixture list it has been hard to find space for realistic Twenty20 practice. This game will give us some valuable match practice."

After facing the Lightning, Durham then have to face Derbyshire Scorpions (July 13) and Yorkshire Phoenix (July 15).

Tonight's match starts at 6pm and entrance is £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Blackhall squad: Andy Booth, Richard Watts, John Darby, Paul Moss, Clint Heron, Adrian Hedley, Andrew Robson, Marlon Black, Steve Chapman, Fahim Fazal, Gerry Strydom.

Durham squad: Marcus North, Jon Lewis (Capt), Alex Roberts, Gordon Muchall, Gareth Breese, Andrew Pratt (Wkt), Shoaib Akhtar, Neil Killeen, Trent Kelly, Nigel Kent.