Akmal steers Pakistan in first-ever Twenty20 in the UAE

Dubai: Pakistan raced to a seven-wicket victory over Australia in the one-off Twenty20 match of the Chapal Cup series at the Dubai Sports City's new cricket stadium on Thursday.

Kamran Akmal remained unbeaten with 59 runs to ensure Pakistan's victory in 16.2 overs.

Just before Dubai created history by staging its first ever Twenty20 international match, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

He unveiled a plaque upon his arrival, announcing the official opening of the stadium and greeted members of the Pakistan and Australian cricket teams.

Also present during the occasion were Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, shaikhs, dignitaries and diplomats.

Cheered by a packed stadium earlier, Shahid Afridi produced a deadly three-wicket spell to wreck the Australian middle order while Umar Gul used his immaculate line and pace to destroy the lower order batsmen.

In control

Gul, who had trapped Australia's top scorer Shane Watson leg before for 33 runs, returned with figures of four wickets for eight runs. Afridi took three wickets for 14 backed by Shoaib Malek, who bagged two wickets for 14 runs.

Chasing the moderate total, Pakistan lost an early wicket when Brett Lee, returning to international cricket after an ankle surgery, had opener Ahmad Shehzad brilliantly caught by a diving Laughlin at mid wicket. Another brilliant catch at backward point by James Hopes ended the innings of Salman Butt, who slashed at Ben Hilfenhaus hard.

The mantle of accelerating the run rate fell on Misbah Ul Haq, who led the team as Younis Khan was down with fever, and Kamran Akmal, who is in brilliant form after his century in the last one-day match of the series in Abu Dhabi.

Akmal played some brilliant shots and Pakistan needed just 52 runs from 60 balls. After the tenth over, Misbah played some lovely shots. He played the support role to Akmal and steadily moved towards the target.

Akmal hit two sixes off James Hopes to ensure Pakistan's victory in 16.2 overs. Akmal remained unconquered with 59 runs while Misbah hit 24.

Misbah Ul-Haq led the Pakistan team as their skipper Younis Khan was down with flu. Haq had captained Pakistan during the last Asia Cup.

Summarised scores: Australia 108 in 19.5 overs (Shane Watson 33, Brad Haddin 24, M.J. North 20, Umar Gul 4 for 8, Shahid Afridi 3 for 14) Pakistan 109 for 3 in 16.2 over (Kamran Akmal 59n.o, Misbah Ul Haq 24 ).

What a festivity. Dubai should hold more such matches. We just loved the charged atmosphere.Akbar
Akbar Ali Shah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 17:40

good match. Pakistan deserved victory
Baku
kieghley,engand
Posted: May 08, 2009, 17:36

Dubai has done a remarkable work in hosting the t20 match.
Milind S. Waigankar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 17:15

Thanks to the great visionary leadership of Shaikh Mohammad for allowing to have the Dubai Sports City, one of this international standard in Dubai and successfully conducted this first ever Twenty/20 match in a splendid way. The entire arrangements were superbly made. Hats off to entire team.
Usman Mohammad Ebrahim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 16:50

Thanks to Shaikh Mohammad who provided us the fantastic opportunity to see this match in a very peaceful manner. I wish the World Cup matches will shift to UAE grounds - the world?s safest place to play.
Salman khan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 16:34

Fabulous moment in the history of cricket. Hopefully Dubai will become the home of cricket World Cup soon.
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 16:12

Pakistan should do more to gain the international standard in cricket. Australasia gave tough time to Pakistan and won the ODI series as well. So next month, in the 20/20 World Cup, Pakistan must work hard to win.
Ishfaq Kiani
Rawat/Rawalpindi,Pakistan
Posted: May 08, 2009, 15:03

The match was alright and the stadium is fabulous!! But, the parking and the entire exit system is bad. The entire experience was just bad. It took me 4 hours just to get out of the parking.
Ali Hassan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 14:40

First of all I am thankful to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He has arranged the pick and drop free service for the peoples who want to see this match and the stadium was full and well organised. Me and my friends enjoyed a lot. I hope in future also they will arrange similar events and services.
Rashid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 13:26

UAE is on a roll with T20 Matches!
Fahad Naeem
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 08, 2009, 12:03