Afridi shines as Pak beat Bangladesh in World T20 campaign opener

16 March,Kolkata

Shahid Afridi produced a scintillating all-round performance as Pakistan cruised to a 55-run win over Bangladesh in their opening group match of the World T20 here at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan batsmen seemed to be at their menacing best from the start, with Mohammad Hafeez (64 off 42 balls) and Ahmed Shehzad (52 off 39 balls) sharing a huge partnership of 95 runs for the second wicket.

Skipper Afridi fell just one run short of a half-century as he smashed quick-fire 49 off just 19 balls to accelerate his side’s innings.

In reply, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal (24) and Sabbir Rahman (25) provided an initial push to their side before the duo were dismissed by Afridi.

Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan’s brisk 50-run knock went in vain as Bangladesh were restricted to 146-6 within their stipulated 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Amir and Afridi bagged two wickets each while Mohammad Irfan and Imad Wasim also gobbled up two wickets.

Afridi was adjudged `man of the match` for his significant contribution with bat and ball.

Pakistan will now play their next match against fierce-rivals and hosts India at the same venue on Saturday.

The ICC had earlier moved Pakistan’s group match against India to Kolkata due to security concerns in Dharamsala.