Talented wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal notched up a breezy century under pressure before the bowlers came to the party and guided Pakistan to a bonus-point 72-run victory over Afghanistan in the Asia Cup here on Thursday.
Chasing a challenging target of 249, Afghanistan could only manage 176 in 47.2 overs in front of the disciplined Pakistan bowling attack. Put in to bat, Pakistan rode on Akmal’s scintillating batting effort to post 248 for eight in their quota of 50 overs on a sluggish pitch at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium here. The young batsman smashed unbeaten 102 off 89 balls after Pakistan were reduced to 117 for six inside 30 overs. The 23-year-old, who scored 74 off 72 against Sri lanka in the last match, clobbered three sixes and seven boundaries while helping his team recover from a precarious position.
Afghanistan, in reply, had a poor start as they lost opener Mohammad Shahzad (9) early. His partner, Noor Ali Zadran, played a few attractive shots at the other end. Zadran made 44 off 63 deliveries and hit seven boundaries, before he was trapped in front by off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.
Brief scores
Pakistan: 248 for eight: (Umar Akmal not out 102, Ahmed Shehzad 50; Mirwais Ashraf 2/29, Samiullah Shenwari 2/34) beat Afghanistan: 176 all out (Noor Ali Zadran 44, Asghar Stanikzai 40; Mohammad Hafeez 3/29) by 72 runs.