Afridi runs riot, Pak post record total against Bangladesh

Published Mon, Jun 21 10 06:37 PM

Dambulla, Jun 21 (PTI) Skipper Shahid Afridi smashed a blistering 61-ball 124 to guide Pakistan to their highest ODI total of 385 for seven against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup match here today. Afridi, who was involved in a 137-run association for the fifth wicket with Umar Akmal (50), struck 17 fours and four sixes to help Pakistan to a total which is likely to give them consolation victory in the four-nation tournament. Pakistan''s highest total in one-day international cricket was also the highest at this venue, bettering Sri Lanka''s 312 for four against Bangladesh last week. Building on the sizzling 81-run start provided by Shahzaib Hasan (50) and Imran Farhat (66), Afridi initially played himself in before unleashing an array of strokes which drove the Bangladesh attack to despair. He was merciless at the square, driving, cutting and pulling with panache. Left-arm spinner Adbur Razzak was the lone Bangladesh bowler to command respect from the 30-year-old who carted the rest of the attack to all parts of the park during his imperious essay. Afridi cleared the ropes with effortless ease while racing to his sixth ODI hundred in just 54 balls, the sixth fastest in history. Interestingly, he holds the record for the fastest ODI hundred, made in 37 balls against Sri Lanka at Nairobi. With an eye on enriching their newcomers with international experience, Pakistan sent their greenhorns up the order. Asked to open the batting Imran Farhat, Shahzaib grabbed the opportunity with both hands to make a belligerent 38-ball 50, beginning his innings with a cover-driven six off Mashrafe Mortaza, who conceded 47 runs in five overs. But Umar Amin, victim of a dubious run out decision when he wandered from the crease, and Asad Shafiq, stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim off Shakib Al Hasan (2 for 63), failed to cash in against an attack which lacked zip and accuracy, except for Abdur Razzak. Shafiul Islam claimed three wickets at the expense of 95 runs. Pakistan had lost both its previous matches in the tournament, going down to Sri Lanka and India.

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