Ajmal remains a match-winner: Akmal

LONDON: Kamran Akmal defended Saeed Ajmal's reputation after Pakistan's defeat against Australia.

Australia needed 18 off the final over of the World Twenty20 semi-final, in which Michael Hussey bludgeoned the off spinner Ajmal for three sixes and a four to hand his team a miraculous win.

Ajmal was crestfallen after Pakistan conceded a game which was only theirs to lose, but Akmal said he was still a match-winner.

"Saeed is a magnificent competitor, a great bowler and someone who remains a match-winner," Akmal told PakPassion.net. "He has led Pakistan to many victories and I'm sure in future he will help us to many more victories."

Pakistan were missing their death-overs specialist Umar Gul, who was injured before the tournament began, so Ajmal was handed the responsibility.

He bowled a tight final over in their previous game against South Africa, conceding five runs.

Akmal praised Ajmal's efforts in that game and added that things didn't go his way during the semis.

"Just look at his over against South Africa right at the end of the match in the Super Eights. He was very upset after the defeat against Australia and we all consoled him, but he can't be blamed for the defeat," Akmal said. "It was an amazing innings from Hussey and one of those days where as a batsman things went for him.

"As a bowler, especially in T20s, any bowler can be hit around the park. I have seen many of the world's finest bowlers take a hammering in the shortest version of the game."

Akmal said the whole team felt the pain of defeat, and that nobody could be singled out for their exit.