Cyclone Afridi crashes into Bangladesh

On the back of a whirlwind century by captain Shahid Afridi, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 139 runs in their last match of the Asia Cup and notched up their first One Day International (ODI) victory in 2010, breaking a run of nine consecutive losses.

Afridi tumbled records on his way to a career-best 124 off just 60 balls as Pakistan piled up 385, their highest ODI score, the first time in 10 matches that Pakistan managed to play out the 50 overs before Bangladesh crawled to 246 for five off their quota.

Bangladesh hardly looked as if they were chasing a record total after managing just 18 fours and two sixes in their innings compared to Pakistan’s 41 and 10. Afridi was responsible for 17 and four of those as he added 137 runs with Umar Akmal (50) to take Pakistan past 300. Umar, playing second fiddle to his captain, looked pale in comparison as he took 57 balls to reach his fifty.

Pakistan, who made 129 runs in the last 10 overs, shattered records on the way after they were given a fine start by Imran Farhat and Shahzaib Hasan - brought in place of vice-captain Salman Butt - sharing an opening stand of 81. Hasan warmed up for the Twenty20 series in England as he registered a quick 50 off just 38 balls with the help of six boundaries and two sixes.

Umar Amin added 54 with Farhat before Amin was unlucky to be run out for 22. It was as if the Bangladesh bowlers did not know where to bowl as Farhat, too, scored a half-century before he was bowled by Shakib Al Hasan for 66. Bangladesh may have gotten some hope after they had debutant Asad Shafiq - in place of Shoaib Malik’s - for 17 but the arrival of Afridi signalled the end of it all.

He unleashed a flurry of effortless boundaries as Bangladesh found it hard to control the all-rounder. Afridi brought up his second century in the 2010 Asia Cup and the sixth overall as Pakistan blazed away towards the end.

In reply, Bangladesh seemed content to be second best as Imrul Kayes hit a Test-like 66 off 110 balls while a more aggressive Junaid Siddique  hit 97 off 114 deliveries before spooning a return catch to give a hard-working Shoaib Akhtar his only wicket for 22 runs in eight disciplined overs. Afridi, who at the start of the tour, hoped to perform as captain was happy after the first win this year.

“I was expecting to perform well as captain. The coaches did a very good job for us. We have been working hard and I think we are ready for the England tour,” said Afridi.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2010.