Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Asia Cup: Alam, Tanvir lead Pakistan recovery to 288-9 against Hong Kong

Pakistan Won their First match against Hong Kong.

All-rounders Fawad Alam and Sohail Tanvir both struck half centuries Tuesday to rally Pakistan to 288 for nine off its 50 overs against Hong Kong in their opening group match at the Asia Cup.

The 20-year-old left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed's took four for 51 off 21 deliveries, reducing Pakistan to 161 for seven in the 30th over before Alam (63 not out) and Tanvir (59) joined to add 100 runs for the eighth wicket.

Alam was unbeaten in 77 balls while Tanvir holed out in the deep in an attempt to accelerate the scoring late in the innings.

Ahmed, who had played just one limited-overs match against Pakistan — at the 2004 Asia Cup, thrashed the experienced Pakistan middle order before Tanvir and Alam came to the rescue.

The Alam-Tanvir partnership broke the tournament record for an eight-wicket stand, surpassing the 52 by India's Ajay Jadeja and Ajit Agarkar against Pakistan in 2000.


Pakistan slumped quickly after captain Shoaib Malik won the toss and elected to bat. Medium fast bowler Afzaal Haider found a big edge off opener Salman Butt's bat with his third delivery.

Younis Khan (67) and Malik (35) added 67 runs before the Pakistani captain was caught by Butt Hussain at point.

Ahmed began his surge when Mohammad Yousuf (28) top edged a sweep, and Khan was stumped after hitting eight fours and a six in his 65-ball stand.

Ahmed also trapped Misbah-ul-Haq (4) leg before wicket and then took a low return catch to dismiss Shahid Afridi (7).

India also is in Group B with Pakistan and Hong Kong. Two teams from the group advance to the Super Four Stage.



Link : http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/24/sports/AS-SPT-CRI-Pakistan-Hong-Kong.php






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