Umer Akmal’s fifty lifts Pakistan to 153-5

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:23:12 +0000

Teenager Umer Akmal hit a maiden half-century against disciplined New Zealand bowling to lift Pakistan to 153-5 in the second Twenty20 international at Dubai Stadium here on Friday.

The 19-year-old scored an unbeaten 56 in his third Twenty20 match to boost Pakistan’s innings which was derailed by some accurate bowling by paceman Ian Butler who took 3-28 after Pakistan won the toss and batted.

Akmal, whose 49-ball knock included five boundaries and a six, added 45 for the third wicket with captain Shahid Afridi (22) after Pakistan lost the quick wickets of Imran Nazir (19) and Kamran Akmal (26) to Butler.

Pakistan won the first match by 49 runs here on Thursday.

Butler then had Shoaib Malik (seven) and James Franklin captured Abdul Razzaq (nought) before Umer and Fawad Alam (17 not out) added a quickfire 39 for the fifth wicket.

Nazir and Akmal gave Pakistan a robust start of 40 with Nazir hitting three fours and six, while Kamran hit four boundaries and a six before New Zealand’s bowlers slammed on the brakes.

Pakistan were unchanged from Thursday’s win while New Zealand brought in paceman James Franklin in place of injured Aaron Redmond.

Bokmark it

World Best Sports » Cricket

Umer Akmal’s fifty lifts Pakistan to 153-5