http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-c89347 Afridi's 5-wicket haul clinches 5-match ODI series for Men in Green, at Sharjah's 201st ODI, on November 20, 2011.
Pakistan’s maverick all-rounder, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, and took home the 5-match ODI series 3-1.
When the Men in Green were just a few yards away from losing the game at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the magical spinner miraculously turned the tables by bowling http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779 out. The breakthrough opened a window of hope for Misbah and company, who finally ended up winning the match by 26 runs.
With a 2-0 lead in the series, the Cornered Tigers won the toss and elected to bat first. The first wicket fell for just 18 and then came a batting collapse. They lost 6 top wickets at the score of just 97. It was a huge loss, but Afridi came to bat with full confidence and passion.
The right hander proved to be a saviour who gave support to the sinking boat of his team with unusually meticulous and calculated batting. Unlike his routine, he did not get aggressive but started hitting the ball knowingly.
The star batter defied all the tactics and techniques of the in-form Lankan bowlers. He stayed on the crease till the 44th over of the innings and lashed a match-winning 75-run knock from 65 deliveries. The athlete hit 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Thus Pakistan set an average target of 201 runs in the 201st match of Sharjah .
The Lankan http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397 went on a rampage and built up a strong partnership of 102 runs, drawing very near to victory.
However, Afridi, despite an ankle injury, proved to be the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/China-c40996 shop. He picked up 5 scalps, one after another and powered his side to seal the series. It was quite unbelievable for the spectators and the commentators at the same time.
For his match-winning and game-changing performance, Afridi was awarded with the Man of the Match title, worth $1000.
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