Pakistani all-rounder Umar Akmal has helped Pakistan win their crucial Asia Cup match against minnows Afghanistan by 72 runs in Dhaka on Thursday with his second ODI century.
Pakistan managed to overcome early wobbles in the game due to Akmal's 89-ball 102 not out, which lifted them from a precarious 117-6 to 248-8 in 50 overs before they wrapped up their rivals for 176 in 47.2 overs.
According to Sport24, however, Afghanistan, playing their inaugural match in the five-nation tournament, impressed despite the defeat with Asghar Stanikzai (40) and Nawroz Mangal (35) sharing a 74-run partnership for the third wicket.
Chasing a daunting target, the Afghans were 139-2 in the 36th over before losing their last eight wickets for 37 runs as Mohammad Hafeez (3-29) and Saeed Ajmal (2-25) gave Pakistan a win with a bonus point.
India, who beat hosts Bangladesh by six wickets, will face Sri Lanka on Friday, the report added.