Akmal century revives Pakistan A
Umar Akmal continued his love for Australian attacks and pitches, rattling off his second hundred in consecutive matches to give Pakistan A the initiative
Cricinfo staff
04-Jul-2009
Australia A 230 and 0 for 44 trail Pakistan A 333 (Akmal 129, Ahmed 61, Iqbal 52, Bollinger 5-82) by 58 runs
Scorecard
Scorecard
Umar Akmal continued his love for Australian attacks and pitches, rattling off his second hundred in consecutive matches to give Pakistan A the initiative in Townsville. Pakistan had resumed the day on 5 for 47 after Doug Bollinger's rampage on the first evening, but Akmal's defiance and half-centuries to Fahad Iqbal and Sarfraz Ahmed took them to a strong 333.
Bollinger snapped up his fifth wicket in the morning but the home side were in for a lot of toil with Akmal, who hit 129 from just 145 deliveries, leading Pakistan's reply. He tucked into the attack, despite Pakistan's precarious situation, and thumped 14 fours and three sixes to help avert an innings defeat.
Akmal's innings was not the only significant contribution. Ahmed (61) and Iqbal (52) forged a 161-run partnership for the sixth wicket to further lift Pakistan to a strong position. The offspinner Jason Krejza had the best figures for Australia A, taking 2 for 76 from 18.2 overs.
In the 21 overs remaining, Australia scored 44 without loss. They are 58 behind Pakistan. Ryan Broad was unbeaten on 22 with Michael Klinger on 16.
