Shahzad, Misbah hundreds script Pakistan win

 

Pakistan made a strong start in its build up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 with a 89-run win over co-hosts Bangladesh at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

Pakistan posted 285 for 9 in its 50 overs and then restricted Bangladesh to 196 in 41.4 overs.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan rode on brilliant knocks by Ahmad Shahzad (103: 122b, 9x4, 1x6) and Misbah-ul-Haq (100: 100b, 8x4, 4x6). Pakistan had slipped to 58 for 3 but Shahzad and Misbah added 152 runs for the fourth wicket to lay the foundation for a challenging total.

For Bangladesh, skipper Shakib AlHasan picked up 3-49.

In the chase, Bangladesh lost Tamim Iqbal off the first ball and from there on despite cameos by Imrul Kayes (39) and Zunaed Siddique (38), the task was difficult. For Pakistan, Abdul Razzaq (3-31), Mohaammad Hafeez (2-41) and Abdur Rehman (2-29) were the best bowlers on view.