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Yousuf, Malik set up huge Pakistan win
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Apr 8, 2008, 18:51

Mohammed Yousuf made his 15th one-day century for Pakistan to dominate an emphatic 152-run victory over Bangladesh in Lahore in the first of five ODI’s.

Yousuf stroked 108 not out from just 103 deliveries and helped his team reach an imposing total of 322-5 from their 50 overs.

Bangladesh’s reply lacked momentum from the outset and despite brief respite when the floodlights failed, they were all out for 129 thanks to a top score 25 by number ten batsman Mushrafe Mortaza. The lights glitch meant their target was reduced to 282 from 39 overs.

The five-match series was put together in quick time to offer Pakistan some cricket after world champions Australia postponed their scheduled tour because of security concerns. Bangladesh, forever keen to further develop their skills, will need to show markedly better technique in the next four games if they are to compete.

Captain Shoaib Malik was also in good form for Pakistan with 85 from 75 deliveries. The Yousuf and Malik partnership was worth 145 for the fourth wicket.

Misbah-ul-Haq (38 from 27) and Shahid Afridi (27 not out off 11 with two sixes) cracked vital blows towards the end of the innings that probably was enough to take the match away from the Bangladeshis even before they began their reply.     

Until Mortaza’s 20-ball cameo, opener Shahriar Nafees top-scored with just 24 before he became a victim of the impressive left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir, who finished with figures of 3-29 from seven overs. Afridi claimed three of the last four wickets for his 3-41.

The next match is in Faisalabad on Friday before further matches in Lahore, Multan and Karachi.