Dashing allrounder Shahid Afridi starred in Pakistan’s exciting three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international at Dubai Stadium on Wednesday.
Afridi scored an unbeaten 20-ball 39, hitting the winning six off the first ball of the final over by paceman Nuwan Kulasekara to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Afridi hit three sixes and two boundaries to help Pakistan overcome a tough challenge from world number one Sri Lanka who had taken the match to the final over with Pakistan needing six runs.
Set a challenging 146, Pakistan lost Ahmed Shehzad (four) in the third over but Mohammad Hafeez (32) and Sharjeel Khan (34) steadied the innings through their 57-run second wicket stand before they lost three wickets in the space of seven runs.
Sharjeel holed out after hitting three fours off 31 balls while Hafeez, who hit two fours and a six in his 27-ball knock, fell leg-before and Umar Akmal was run out for five.
It was left to Afridi to see Pakistan through.
Criticised for his recent poor batting form, Afridi hit two towering sixes in Kulasekara’s 16th over to give Pakistan a sniff of victory.
When on 23, Afridi also became the first player to score 1,000 runs and take 50 wickets in all Twenty20 cricket. In all he has 73 wickets in 69 matches.
Afridi said he was delighted to return to his aggressive batting.
“Pakistan won and I’m very happy for that. I have to mention (skipper) Hafeez, who was not feeling well but still he played for the country.
“It’s nice to bat well, once in a blue moon.”
Sent in to bat, Sri Lankan batsmen did not capitalise on the good starts before Angelo Mathews (50) and Lahiru Thirimanne (23 not out) added 58 for the fifth wicket stand to take their team to 5-145 in 20 overs.
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took 2-35 with left-arm quick Sohail Tanvir finishing with 2-32 while leg-spinner Afridi claimed 1-20 from his four overs.
The second match will also be played in Dubai on Friday.