DHAKA: A rejuvenated Pakistan brought their campaign back on track as they rode on Umar Akmal’s scintillating 54-ball 94 to register a 16-run victory over tournament favourites Australia in the World Twenty20 here on Sunday.
In the end, Glenn Maxwell’s belligerent 33-ball-74 wasn’t enough for Australia to chase down the formidable total in this group league encounter. After posting 191 for five, Pakistan bowled out Australia, who were in the chase until the 15th over, for 175.
The win ensured that Pakistan stayed in the competition, having lost their opening game to India.
While Maxwell blew apart the Pakistanis in the first 10 overs, the bowlers, led by the ever-dependable Saeed Ajmal (1/33) and veteran Shahid Afridi (2/30), made a comeback as the Aussies frittered in their chase.
Earlier, it was Akmal’s superb knock and his 96-run partnership with elder brother Kamran (31), which helped Pakistan post a formidable total. (PTI)
Brief scores:
Pak: 191/5, 20 overs (U Akmal 94, K Akmal 31; N Coulter-Nile 2-36)
Aus: 175/10, 20 overs (G Maxwell 74, A Finch 65; Z Babar 2-26, U Gul 2-29)
