Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Gul put in impressive all-round performances as Pakistan posted an exciting 21-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the Asia Cup tournament on Sunday. Opener Hafeez top-scored with a solid 89 and then grabbed two wickets, while Gul made a crucial 39 and took three wickets before Pakistan bowled Bangladesh out for 241 after posting 262-8 in the day-night match in Dhaka.
The duo upstaged Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who sustained his team’s hopes with a 66-ball 64 before being the last man out. Hafeez was named man of the match. The hosts were struggling at 135-5, but Shakib and Nasir Hossain (47) gave some anxious moments to Pakistan with an 89-run stand for the sixth wicket. Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal, initially dropped from the squad by the country’s cricket chief before being added as a 15th member, scored 64 with the help of one six and six fours.
But Hafeez bowled well-set Tamim and trapped Mohammad Mahmudullah leg-before with his next delivery before Gul dismissed Nasir and Shakib to complete Pakistan’s victory.
Pakistan were earlier well placed at 160-1 following a 135-run stand for the opening wicket between Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed (54) before they lost six wickets for just 38 runs.
The affect of new coach was amply visible when we nearly lost to a team thoroughly beaten in the world cup. I t appears to be fashionable like those who would like to show a foreign brand in their wear and rest.It is also an insult to our own people.But Zaka with a perpetual smile reminds one of those who make it to the top whether you like it or not.Any predictions on the final positions of Asia Cup?
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