Butt, Kamran propel Pak
After a setting a steep target of 173, Pakistan survived a big scare to emerge 21-run winners over Bangladesh in their Group A clash here on Saturday.
Opting to bat, Pakistan got off to a rollicking start with openers Kamran Akmal (73, 55b, 8x4, 1x6) and Salman Butt forging a formidable association. The right-left duo punished all Bangla bowlers during its mammoth 142-run stand which formed the basis of Pakistan’s imposing 172 for three. Bangladesh finished at 151 for seven.
It was a match sealed for Pakistan once they stacked up the big total, or so it appeared. Ashraful (65, 49b, 4x4, 3x6) and Shakib (47, 31b, 3x4, 2x6) took the battle to the rival camp before Mohammad Sami swung it Pakistan’s way.
Despite a poor start, Bangladesh set off alarm bells as Ashraful and Shakib raised 91 runs between them.
Earlier, Pakistan rode on Butt and Kamran’s contributions at the top of the order. While Kamran’s T20 credentials are well established, Butt’s showing came as a pleasant surprise for them. For all his impressive record in the one-dayers, Butt has always been found wanting in T20. But on the day the southpaw set the record straight with a sparking 73 (46, 8x4, 2x6).
