Windies fall to Pakistan

Kamran Akmal scored 124 – his maiden One-day century – to give Pakistan a six-wicket win over the West Indies.

Pakistan were set 274 to chase, with Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan grabbing half-centuries, as the West Indies made 273-5 from their 50 overs.{{more}}

Pakistan lost two early wickets, but Kamran saw their side home, along with Shoaib Malik and Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Pakistan were rocked by another injury to Shoaib Akhtar, who limped off in the sixth over holding his left hamstring.

Pakistan had made clear their wish to bowl first in early morning conditions in Brisbane, and promptly opted to do so when they won the toss.

West Indies opener Gayle survived a slow start and a dropped slip catch to compile an impressive 82 off 99 balls.

Sarwan provided plenty of support with 76 while captain Brian Lara smashed 39 from just 30 balls.

Naved-ul-Hasan was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, helping to restrict the Windies to just 26 from their first 10 overs and then picking up the wickets of Lara and Ricardo Powell in the 42nd over.

Pakistan lost two wickets for just 36 runs when opener Butt was bowled by Mervyn Dillon for 10, before Mohammad Hafeez was caught by Gayle off the same bowler having made just two runs.

With Kamran and Malik in attack, Pakistan stepped up a gear.

Malik smashed 60 from 60 balls before he was caught by Courtney Browne off the bowling of Ian Bradshaw.

Kamran, who won the Man-of-the-Match award, eventually fell victim to Bradshaw, but only after both he and Inzamam put on a 80-run partnership.

The captain then guided Pakistan past the finishing post having made 62 from 51 balls.

Pakistan play Australia in Sydney on Sunday in the next match of the series.

Both teams lost their opening matches against the hosts in this 50 overs-a-side triangular tournament.