Skipper Afridi wages lone battle in Asia Cup opener as Kamran, Umar's silly run-outs derail Pakistan's run chase vs Sri Lanka
Skipper Afridi wages lone battle in Asia Cup opener as Kamran, Umar's silly run-outs derail Pakistan's run chase vs Sri Lanka
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Shahid Afridi's first one-day century in five years was in vain as Sri Lanka, restricted to 242-9, bowled out Pakistan for 226 in 47 overs at the Rangiri stadium.
The Pakistan captain, who came in to bat with his side struggling at 32 for four, smashed 109 off 76 balls to leave the team needing just 38 runs off the last 9.2 overs with four wickets in hand.
Afridi, visibly uncomfortable at the crease due to leg cramps, was caught behind off Muttiah Muralitharan, triggering a dramatic collapse.
Malinga bowled Mohammad Aamer, had Shoaib Akhtar caught at mid-off and then yorked last man Mohammad Asif to finish with his best one-day figures.
Afridi hit eight boundaries and seven sixes in his fifth one-day hundred, the first since making 102 versus India at Kanpur on April 15, 2005.
He was let down by the Akmal brothers, Umar and Kamran, who ran themselves out after putting on useful stands with their captain.
Umar made 30 adding 73 for the fifth wicket with Afridi before Tillakaratne Dilshan beat him with a direct throw as he attempted a quick single.
Kamran had put on 49 for the sixth wicket when he charged down the wicket from the non-striker's end and was run out as Afridi declined his call for a run.
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