Afridi stars in Hampshire win

All-rounder grabs five wickets.

KARACHI:

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi marked his first winning performance for Hampshire after taking a five-wicket haul in a 16-run victory over Gloucestershire in the Friends Life T20 tournament.

In a rain-affected match, Hampshire made 139 for seven with Jimmy Adams scoring 47 while Afridi lost his wicket cheaply for five when he was caught by acting captain, Kane Williamson.

Gloucestershire were troubled in the early stages of the match as they chased a revised total of 127 from 17 overs. They were 54 for two when Afridi (five for 20) struck for the first time, bowling Ian Cockbain for 24.

Afridi struck again in his next over when he lured Chris Taylor from his crease to give Nic Pothas a stumping. Will Gidman was then sent packing for seven.

However, the all-rounder made his most crucial contribution when he came to bowl in the 15th over, with Gloucestershire needing 27 runs, to take the wicket of Richard Coughtrie.

There on, Gloucestershire struggled to regain momentum and lost wickets in quick succession to seal Hampshire’s victory.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2011.