Hafeez, Jamshed, Akmal post strong total for Pakistan

Pakistan celebrate Mike Hussey’s dismissal in the first Twenty20. Australia will be be looking to show an improved batting performance in the second T20 – Photo by AFP

DUBAI: Pakistan made 151-4 against Australia on the back of solid innings from Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed and Kamran Akmal in the second Twenty20 international at Dubai Stadium here on Friday.

Opener Hafeez laid the foundation with 45 before Jamshed, who also made 45, and Kamran with a robust 26-ball 43 not out lifted the innings after Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat.

Pakistan are 1-0 ahead in the three-match series after winning the first match by seven wickets here on Wednesday. Hafeez hit three boundaries in Pat Cummins’ first over of the match but fellow opener Imran Nazir was bowled for nought in Mitchell Starc’s second over.

Hafeez and Jamshed shared a solid 76-run partnership for the second wicket as both charghed the Australian bowling with some aggressive batting. Jamshed hit four boundaries and a six during his 36-ball knock. He fell to a superb catch by Dan Christian off Cummins, as the fielder lunged backward and held the ball with left hand.

Hafeez hit six boundaries during his 42-ball knock. Kamran added 46 for the fourth wicket with his younger brother Umar Akmal who made 13. Kamran hit six boundaries during his knock, helping Pakistan to 90 runs in the last 10 overs.

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez (capt), Imran Nazir, Nasir Jamshed, Kamran Akmal (wk), Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Raza Hasan, Saeed Ajmal

Australia: DA Warner, SR Watson, MEK Hussey, DJ Hussey, GJ Bailey (capt), CL White, MS Wade (wk), DT Christian, GB Hogg, PJ Cummins, MA Starc

Umpires: Shozab Raza (Pakistan) and Zameer Haider (Pakistan)
TV umpire: Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
Match referee: RS Mahanama (Sri Lanka)

Iqbal Hadi Zaidi Comments

The young players are playing so beautifully that future of legend Shahid Afridi or for that matter Misbahul Haq is at risk of elimination unless they regain their lost pride. Bravo! Keep it up
Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait