2nd ODI: In 6th heaven

Umar Akmal scored 59 and Shahid Afridi hit 42 off 27 balls as Pakistan made 262-7.

DHAKA: Ruthless Pakistan handed Bangladesh a 76-run drubbing in the second One-Day International (ODI) to take a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Despite a familiar top-order collapse engineered by fast-bowler Umar Gul and off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Hossain's century gave Bangladesh something to cheer about as the hosts finished on 186 for seven in pursuit of Pakistan's 262.

Nasir cracked 100 and Shakibal Hasan made 34, sharing a fifth-wicket stand of 106 runs. However, Bangladesh were never in the hunt. Nasir plundered 11 fours and a six before his dismissal in the last over. Gul claimed four for 36.

Akmal, Afridi boost Pakistan

Earlier, Umar Akmal scored 59 and Shahid Afridi hit a 27-ball 42 as Pakistan piled up a good score after opting to bat first.

Their innings revolved around a fourth-wicket stand of 83 between Akmal and captain Misbahul Haq (37), before Afridi hit two sixes and three fours to boost the total. Hafeez (32) and Younis Khan (37) put on 57 for the second wicket.

Akmal lifted the tempo by reaching his 11th ODI half-century off 49 balls. The 21-year-old fell in the next over when he was dismissed by Shakib to make Pakistan 176 for four. It soon became 193 for five as debutant Elias Sunny dismissed Misbah in the 42nd over. However, Afridi entered the fray and landed some decisive blows.

Misbah happy with show

Misbah was all praise for his team's all-round show.

"The guys are doing a great job," he said. "It wasn't the best track to bat on but we did well. Akmal is an impact player. Both Hafeez and Afridi were really good and Gul's bowling well with the new ball."

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was happy with Nasir's performance.

"I must give special mention to Nasir," he said. "He showed us how to bat on this pitch. "

Nasir, who was declared man of the match said he was 'over the moon with his performance'.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2011.