Pakistan(201/5) sounded a warning when they thrashed Bangladesh (146/6) by 55 runs in their Super 10 opener at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
After Afridi won the toss and with the return of Ahmed Shehzad, Pakistani batsmen came out all guns blazing as they opted to bat first. Shehzad chipped in with a fifty which included 20 singles. Then Hafeez came in and hit his stride straight away and finally Afridi the batsman made one of his rare appearances. He struck at 336 v Shakib, 300 v Al-Amin, 266 v Mashrafe, 200 v Sunny and 175 v Taskin. Bangladeshi bowlers were put away with utter disdain by all Pakistani batsmen on a belter of a pitch at Eden Gardens.
With 200 on the board, it was always going to be difficult for the chasing team. After their batting clicked, it was time for Pakistan’s good bowling attack to restrict the in-form Bangladeshi batsmen. Amir took a wicket in his first over for the seventh time in his T20 career, opening up the stage for Afridi to come in with his variety of leggies, offies, seam-up and googlies – 2 for 27 and 49 off 19 balls. Cramped up and crumbled up, Bangladesh were out of it by the halfway stage. Only Sabbir looked like threatening the total, but Shakib’s fifty may work for them leading into the tournament.
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Here are the best twitter reactions from the match
Shakib Al Hasan (1016*+61) 2nd all-rounder in T20Is to do the double of 1000 runs + 50 wkts
after Shahid Afridi (1364+95)#WT20#PakvBan— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 16, 2016
If AFRIDI is 36yrs Old I Tino Best have to be 24 yrs Old 😂😂😂😂😂🤔🤔
— Tino95 (@tinobest) March 16, 2016
This is why we love Afridi. Full joy #Lala #WT20
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) March 16, 2016
This Afridi inns is a slap on the face of Pakistan's media that portrayed him as traitor. He went for big hit instead of his 50. #Selfless
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 16, 2016
Shahid Afridi 49 in 19 balls – this is now the fastest "49" in T20Is!
George Bailey and Tissara Perera – 49 in 20 balls!#WT20#PakvBan— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 16, 2016
A sensational knock from #BoomBoom Afridi comes to an end on 49 from just 19 balls! #WT20 #BANvPAK
1 4 4 6 . 1 2 1 6 1 4 1 6 . 1 4 1 6 W
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 16, 2016
In his slam-bang-boom-boom innings today I reckon Afridi has also sent a message to his critics in Pakistan…
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 16, 2016
Nice Kumbh Mela type innings by Shahid Afridi. Once every 12 years.
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) March 16, 2016
That hit the bottom of the bat. And went all the way. Afridi you beauty. #PAKvBAN #WCT20
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) March 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/altcricket/status/710060881909047296
Going to really miss Afridi when he eventually retires for the final time in 2043 at the age of 32.
— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) March 16, 2016
Not football, for Afridi, ball must be appearing as Miandad's face. #WT20
— cricBC (@cricBC) March 16, 2016
Tremendous support here for Pak.. Afridi promoting himself and launching an assault on BD and on his detractors😜
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) March 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/altcricket/status/710055497269956608
Bangladesh need 79 off 12
Or Bangladesh need India off 12#PAKvBAN #WT20
— Big Nas (@NasirJamshed_) March 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/raaaafay/status/710090427815346176
The awful results Pakistan have got over the last 12 months were all part of the plan.
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) March 16, 2016
Pakistan finding form at the right time! 201 on the board should be able to defend this with their strong pace attack! #WT20 #PAKvBAN
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 16, 2016
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Always a reminder that's it's World Cup time … Pakistan come to life … #ICCWT20
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 16, 2016
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Pakistan's top 3 contribution was the lowest among all teams. Being corrected today
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 16, 2016
