Dhaka: Umar Akmal hit a fighting hundred to help Pakistan overcome early wobbles against Afghanistan to win their crucial Asia Cup match by 72 runs in Dhaka on Thursday.

Pakistan owed their recovery to Akmal's 89-ball 102 not out, which lifted them from a precarious 117-6 to 248-8 in 50 overs before they wrapped up their rivals for 176 in 47.2 overs.