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Pakistan off to a decent start
Wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal scored a breezy century as Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 72 runs and picked a bonus point in the Asia Cup on Thursday.
Chasing a challenging target of 249, Afghanistan could muster only 176 in 47.2 overs.
Put in to bat, Pakistan were off to a decent start. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad started off on a cautious start against some tight bowling by the Afghans.
Sharjeel hit the boundary boards for Pakistan in the second over off Dawlat Zardan.
However, Sharjeel was out soon as was caught in the deep to a slog-sweep off Hamza Hotak.
The experienced Mohammad Hafeez too threw his wicket away playing an uncharacteristic shot off Mirwais Ashraf.
Spinners stifle Pakistan's batsmen
Afghanistan spinner Samiullah Shenwari and Hamza Hotak put the brakes on the scoring after two quick wickets.
Shenwari was particularly impressive with his leg-spin bowling as he removed a well-set Shehzad for 50.
Misbah's run-out costs Pakistan dear
Pakistan’s Mr. Consistent Misbah-ul-Haq was on his way back to the pavilion following a terrible mix-up with Shoaib Maqsood, with both the batsmen ending up at the same end.
Maqsood played a delivery and called Misbah, but soon changed his mind only to have the skipper walking back the pavilion without facing a ball.
Afridi flops again
A lot was expected of the experienced Shahid Afridi, but he failed to keep his emotions under check, played a reckless shot and was out.
Afghan skipper Mohammad Nabi brought in seamer Dawlat Zadran and the bowler did well to shatter Afridi's stumps.
Akmal stands firm for a ton
Umar Akmal and Anwar Ali then joined hands to stitch up a partnership for Pakistan to pull them out of precarious situation.
The duo added 60 runs for seventh wicket, bringing Pakistan back in the game.
Akmal also benefited from the fact he was dropped by Shenwari off Shapoor Zadran, when he was on 28.
Once Ali departed after lofting Ashraf straight down Nawroz Mangal’s throat for 21, Akmal attacked the bowlers.
The wicket-keeper batsman reached to the landmark in the final over of Pakistan's innings, hitting a massive six off Zadran.
Afghanistan off to a poor start
Afghanistan, chasing a stiff 249 for victory, were off to a poor start, losing Mohammad Shahzad for 9.
Shahzad got a healthy edge off Umar Gul to give Pakistan the opening.
Ajmal works his magic
Afghanistan went into a shell after losing the first wicket. Asghar Stanikzai and Noor Ali Zadran couldn’t get the ball off the square and though they managed to put on 33 runs for second wicket, they failed to get any momentum.
Ajmal, who was brought in as late as the 18th over, struck in his opening over, removing Noor Ali for 44.
From there it was downhill slide for Afghanistan as they lost wickets at regular intervals without any good partnerships.
In the end, they were bundled out for 176 in 47.2 overs.