New-look Sri Lanka achieved their biggest T20 win over world number one Pakistan by 64 runs on the back of some brilliant batting and bowling in Lahore on Saturday.
Opener Danushka Gunathilaka scored a career best 57 and despite a hat-trick by teenage Pakistan paceman Mohammad Hasnain Sri Lanka posted a challenging 165-5 in their 20 overs.
Fast bowlers Isuru Udana (3-11) and Nuwan Pradeep (3-21) then dismantled Pakistan for 101 in 17.4 overs to give Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pradeep had world number one Twenty20 batsman Babar Azam in the second over to set the platform for their biggest win against Pakistan in 19 bilateral matches. Pakistan needed a big innings from Azam who promised much with two boundaries but was caught behind off Pradeep.
After an absence of over three years, Umar Akmal has made a comeback in Twenty20 international cricket…with a golden duck!
Playing against Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore on Saturday, Akmal left his fans disappointed once again and they witnessed him being dismissed off the very first ball coming to the crease one wicket down.
Akmal was trapped leg before the wicket off right-arm medium pacer Nuwan Pradeep’s first delivery. Photo: Getty Images
This was the ninth time that Akmal was dismissed for naught in Twenty20 internationals—the most ducks by any Pakistani in the format. Akmal beat former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s previous record of eight ducks in T20is.
Umar Akmal, who has an experience of playing 83 T20I matches, played his last T20I game against West Indies at Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2016.
The ‘bad boy’ of Pakistan cricket, who was delighted to be included in the national team for today’s T20I, had said three days ago that he would perform well in the match.
But Akmal wasn’t the only Pakistani to disappoint tonight.
Ahmed Shahzad, who also returned to the national team tonight following an absence of over a year, was dismissed for a paltry 4 runs after facing just 9 deliveries at the crease. Shehzad was bowled out on an inside edge facing Sri Lanka’s Isuru Udana.
Twitter users started trolling both the batsmen for their dismal performances, with Akmal becoming one of the top trends:
Umar Akmal is the most dangerous player,,,,,,,,,, for his own team
— Akrama (@AkramaMianoor) October 5, 2019
Umar akmal missed his century by just 100 runs ??
— Ayesha Imran (@chaichaiye) October 5, 2019
Petition to change the name of umer akmal to “Umer duckmal” ???#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/LMPgFKK48p
— Mubariz خAn ?? ( fasiha ka Tapak-din?? 7Oct) (@iammk888) October 5, 2019
Ya Allah Ahmed Shehzad aur Umar Akmal ko nakaam kar.
— Abdullah (@abdullahmajeed_) October 5, 2019
A wise man once told Umar Akmal, “Go and play club cricket”.#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/6zYI0yXPO4
— Fahad (@Pitafi327) October 5, 2019
Umar akmal is like a toxic person in your life no matter how many chances you give them they will disappoint you always.
— Haroon (@ThisHaroon) October 5, 2019
One good thing about Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad is that they are very consistent in “not disappointing us”. Two of the most dangerous batsmen around (for their own team). Thank you for coming back ? we missed you.
— Ayaz Samoo (@AyazSamoo) October 5, 2019
Recyclables in the first T20I
Umar Akmal – 0 off 1 ball
Ahmed Shehzad – 4 off 9 balls#PAKvSL— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) October 5, 2019
Welcome back to International Cricket Umar Akmal ? pic.twitter.com/GPA2P45Onz
— ZEE. ?? (@iBleedGreenZEE) October 5, 2019
Hello Umar Akmal, Thank You for your services , Bye Bye #PAKvSL
— Saqib Ul Islam (@SaqibIslam) October 5, 2019
