According to local media reports Shahid Afridi said, "I think the credit goes to the boys. It was a great team effort, especially in terms of the partnerships. Shehzad, Hafeez, Malik and Umar Akmal, all batted really well. The bowlers bowled well in partnerships too. The management staff is doing a great job with the boys and the boys are performing as well”.

“You need a good bench if you want to be a top international side. I am happy that our bench is very strong. Our fielding was very good, the youngsters take it very seriously and they are doing a good job of it. I want to thank the crowd as well, people who came down from Pakistan to support us,” Afridi added.

Umar Akmal unbeaten knock of 46, hit three boundaries and as many sixes, while Shoaib Malik, who remained unbeaten on a 31-ball 46. Ahmed Shehzad was the other notable contributor with 46 off 38 balls. Ahmed Shehzad, Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal all scored an identical 46 runs helping Pakistan a healthy score of 175 for a loss of 5 wickets.

Pakistan ‘T20’skipper Shahid Afridi called it a fine all-round effort after his team overcame and hopefully we will turn it around in the second game.

The second match ‘T20’ will be played at the same venue on Saturday with Pakistan looking to complete a triple on the current tour.