Afridi inspires Pakistan to big win

Skipper Shahid Afridi smashed a glorious 124 off 60 balls as Pakistan ended their Asia Cup campaign with a 139-run rout of Bangladesh on Monday. Afridi plundered 17 boundaries and four sixes to lead Pakistan to their highest one-day total of 385-7, before Bangladesh replied with 246-5 in the day-night match.

Junaid Siddique top-scored for Bangladesh with 97 after sharing a second-wicket stand of 160 with Imrul Kayes, who made 66.

It was Pakistan’s lone victory in the four-nation tournament and came after India and defending champions Sri Lanka had already qualified for Thursday’s final with two wins each.

India and Sri Lanka clash in the last league match on Tuesday to prepare for the final at the Rangiri stadium in Dambulla.

Pakistan, who had lost narrowly to both India and Sri Lanka, used the game to display their batting power after openers Imran Farhat (66) and Shahzaib Hasan (50) put on 81 by the 13th over. Pakistan hammered 120 runs in the last nine overs as the Bangladesh bowling wilted under the spectacular assault.

AFP