Umar Akmal: Star of the Show as Pakistan Seals Clean Sweep against Bangladesh

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (Dec. 06) – Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 58 runs today in another low-scoring match at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong. Pakistani spinners played the key role bringing this victory to Pakistan’s side. Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik claimed three wickets each while Saeed Ajmal and Abudur Rehman shared two wickets each.

Umar Akmal named as man of the match and man of the series 

With this victory Pakistan whitewashed the ODI series winning all three matches comprehensively. The tourists had already registered two convincing victories in the series, winning by five wickets chasing just 92 at Dhaka before triumphing by 76 runs at the same venue on Saturday.

Earlier Pakistan decided to bat after winning the toss but lost the tempo in the very first over losing inform Muhammad Hafeez without disturbing the scorers. Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan couldn’t last long as well and Pakistan went deep in trouble 39/3. Then the best partnership of 94 runs between Skipper Misbah ul Haq and Umar Akmal led Pakistan out of trouble a bit.

Then came Abdur Razzak and struck twice in 36th over leaving the visitors at 133/5. Two wickets, Misbah ul Haq and Shoaib Malik, in two balls again left Pakistan struggling to get past 200. Pakistan lost last 7 wickets for adding only 44 runs.

Pakistan just managed to score 177 before getting all out in 47th over. Umar Akmal was the highest scorer for Pakistan with his 57 runs off 84 balls. Misbah ul Haq (47) and Younis Khan (26) were the other significant contributors in Pakistan’s total. None of the remaining batsmen succeeded to get a double figured score.

Bangladesh bowlers bowled superbly to curtail Pakistan under 200-mark and created a real chance to amuse the home crowd. Abdur Razzak and Mahmudullah claimed 3 wickets each while Elias Sunny grabbed two wickets. One each shared by Shafiul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan.

Chasing a moderate total of 178; Bangladesh had not the greatest of starts as well and lost Tamim Iqbal on very first ball of their innings. Mahmudullah (35) and Shahriar Nafees (25) strengthen the innings with a steady partnership of 69 runs. But once Nafees was trapped by Saeed Ajmal at total score of 69; the Bangladesh innings tattered again and they lost last eight wickets for just adding 49 runs. Bangladesh got all out for 119 in 38th over leaving a gap of 58 runs.

Umar Akmal was named man of the match and man of the series for his consistent batting performance.