Despite an improved batting display, Afghanistan were unable to claim victory in the second one-day and had to suffer a whitewash at the hands of Pakistan A. PHOTO: EXPRESS SHAFIQ MALIK.
KARACHI:
Experienced wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal smashed a century as Pakistan A cruised to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan, completing a 2-0 whitewash against the visitors in the two-match one-day series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore yesterday.
Kamran cracked 104 from 105 deliveries to help the home side overcome the visiting team.
The visitors, who were trapped for just 122 by Pakistan bowlers in the first match, succeeded in crossing the 200-run mark, which could have hardly been possible without the stunning century by their fast-bowler Gulbodin Naib.
The 21-year-old, who averaged below ten runs from his six One-Day Internationals, blasted 100 off 93, hitting three sixes and 13 boundaries.
Aided with Naib’s swashbuckling knock down the order, Afghanistan who were struggling at 77 for six at one stage managed to accumulate 207 for nine.
In-form Riaz grabbed another three-wicket haul while Peshawar-based Imran Khan, who dismissed three Afghan top-order batsmen, looked impressive, giving 35 runs from eight overs.
Adnan Rasool grabbed two wickets while Yasir Shah bagged one. Pakistan A captain Shahid Afridi returned without a wicket from ten overs in which he conceded 31 runs.
Kamran’s ton eclipses Naib effort
Meanwhile, Kamran’s century overshadowed Naib’s impressive knock as Pakistan A achieved the target after losing three wickets with over eight overs to spare.
The wicket-keeper’s match-winning knock included 14 boundaries and a six.
Ahmed Shahzad also played a defiant knock before he was dismissed by Mirwais Ashraf for 33 from 58 balls, sharing an opening-wicket stand of 94 with Kamran.
Ali Waqas also contributed valuable runs by scoring an unbeaten 35 after Kamran retired. Afridi had to face tough luck with the bat as well as the senior all-rounder was trapped leg before by Aftab Alam after scoring just three.
Umer Amin also went out for a paltry 12 from 22 deliveries. Dawlat Zadran was the other wicket-taker for Afghanistan.
Both sides will now confront each other in the only Twenty20 fixture today at the same venue.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2013.
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wow, now afridi cannot score against afghanistan....definitely Almighty is not at all happy with his conduct off and on the field.