Cricket: Mohammad Hafeez reported for suspect bowling action

MELBOURNE - Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been reported for a suspect bowling action.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) received a report from the umpires and match referee after Wednesday's limited-overs match between Pakistan and West Indies in Brisbane.

Under the ICC's regulations, Hafeez must spend the next six weeks with a biomechanist to identify and correct any flaws in his action but will be allowed to play during that time.

The ICC is considering changing its rules on suspect bowling actions by adjusting the degree at which bowlers can straighten their arm. A decision is expected when the council meets in Melbourne next month.

Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal scored his maiden century to guide Pakistan to a six-wicket win in the triangular series match.

Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan hit half-centuries to lift West Indies to 273 for five wickets in their 50 overs.

Pakistan reached 274 for four in reply, including Akmal's 124, to win with three overs to spare at the Gabba ground in Brisbane.

Pakistan had been 36 for two in eight overs after Mervyn Dillon (2-46) struck twice, removing opener Salman Butt for 10 and Mohammad Hafeez for two.

The 23-year-old Akmal, who has 15 one-day caps, shared a 123-run partnership for the third wicket with Shoaib Malik (60).

Man of the match Akmal faced 125 balls, hitting 12 fours before he was caught at cover off the bowling of Ian Bradshaw at the start of the 41st over.

Akmal had put on 80 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, whose unbeaten 62 from 51 balls followed his 68 in Pakistan's four-wicket loss to Australia in Hobart last week.

It was Pakistan's first international win on their tour of Australia, after losing all three tests in the series which finished earlier this month.

Pakistan began the match in disarray when paceman Shoaib Akhtar left the field without completing his third over after breaking down a hamstring injury.

Gayle survived difficult batting conditions early in the morning session for West Indies to hit seven fours in his 99-ball knock of 82, adding 86 for the first wicket with fellow left-hander Wavell Hinds (29).

Coming in at 149 for two in the 34th over, West Indies captain Brian Lara had the perfect stage for a big innings.

However, the brilliant left-hander fell on 39, slicing a short ball to gully after facing 30 balls and stroking six fours.

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (2-55) struck again two balls later, removing Ricardo Powell for a first-ball duck.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (25 not out) and Sarwan (76) then contributed a half-century partnership for the fifth wicket.

With all three sides having played two matches each, undefeated Australia lead the standings with 11 points ahead of Pakistan (six) and West Indies (one).

Australia host West Indies in Brisbane on Friday.

- REUTERS