Afridi Fires As Pakistan Hammer New Boys Uganda
Shahid Afridi: blistering knock against Uganda.
©REUTERS/Howard Burditt (SOUTH AFRICA) Picture Supplied by Action Images
226-3 (Butt 74no, Afridi 57no, Younus 51)
Uganda 78-7 (Gul 2-10) in Nairobi
Pakistan won by 148 runs
Shahid Afridi hit seven sixes, requiring only 15 balls to hit 57 runs as Pakistan gave Uganda the toughest of introductions to Twenty20 cricket by hammering them for a total of 226 for 3 with Younus Khan (51) and Salman Butt (74 not out) also registering confidence-boosting half-centuries.
Uganda, understandably punching well above their weight, never threatened the target, Umar Gul picking up a couple of wickets as they at least managed to survive the full twenty overs, Raymond Otim top scoring with 27 not out from 29 balls.
The opening game of the tournament which also involves Bangladesh and Kenya, who play later today, sprung into life with Imran Nazir dismissed first ball by Ugandan bowler Otiti, although that was about as good as it got for the Africans. Butt hit nine fours and a six in his unbeaten 55-ball innings and was well supported by Kamran Akmal, who hit 32 from 23 before Younus and Afridi dished out severe punishment towards the end of the innings.
© Cricket World 2007
