Cricket: Afridi, Razzaq fail to inspire Renegades

Pakistan all-rounders flop in Big Bash game against Strikers.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq failed to inspire Melbourne Renegades in their opening match of the Big Bash League as Adelaide Strikers came out victorious in a one-sided encounter by 67 runs.

According to details made available here, both the experienced all-rounders failed to reach double figures as Renegades were bowled out for just 122, chasing 190 to win.

The duo also went wicketless, with Afridi conceding 27 runs in four overs and Razzaq gaving away 25 in three. Openers Daniel Harris (49) and Michael Klinger (46) starred with the bat for the Strikers as they racked up 189 for five.

Afridi and Razzaq also failed to impress with the bat as the Renegades’ run-chase fell apart thanks to Kane Richardson’s three-wicket haul.

In another game, Hobart Hurricanes beat Perth Scorchers by 31 runs, having put up 140 runs batting first.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2011.