Afridi inspires Pakistan to crushing victory

ABU DHABI - All rounder Shahid Afridi smashed a rapid 70 and took two wickets for Pakistan who eased to a 138 run victory over New Zea land in the first one-day international on Tuesday.

Pakistan, who won the toss and bat first, recovered from an awful start to pile up 287 for nine.

Fast bowler Shane Bond dismissed opener Salman Butt and captain Younus Khan without a run on the board before Mohammad Yousuf, who was dropped on 12, and Khalid Latif steadied the innings with a stand of 57.

Yousuf was run out for 30 but after Umar Akmal was dismissed for nine, Latif 64 and Afridi added 101 for the fifth wicket.

After Afridi departed Kamran Akmal chipped in with an unbeaten 67, including four sixes, to lead Pakistan to an imposing total.

New Zea land opener Brendan McCullum was dropped twice before fast bowler Umar Gul bowled him for 21 and Gul struck again moments later dismissing Martin Guptill for four.

Ross Taylor and Scott Styris also fell cheaply to leave New Zea land struggling on 50 for four. Aaron Redmond 52 and Daniel Vettori 38 added 69 for the fifth wicket but their hopes of victory were quickly extinguished when Afridi took two wickets in two balls and with the tail enders offering little resistance, New Zea land crumbled to 149 all out.

The second game in the three-match series is also in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The series is being played at neutral venues after New Zea land refused to tour Pakistan this year because of security concerns. Their test series will be played in New Zea land from Nov. 24 but designated 'home' tests for Pakistan.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe Now: Feed Icon