Cricket: Openers spur Pakistan to victory

CASTRIES, St. Lucia - Openers Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal slammed 73 apiece today to spur Pakistan to a 21-run victory over neighbours Bangladesh in their Group A match in the ICC World Twenty20.

The pair shared a record stand of 142 as the defending champions posted a formidable 172-3 off 20 overs after they won the toss and batted.

Butt hit eight fours and two sixes off just 46 balls. Wicket-keeper Akmal, a right-hander, blasted eight fours and one six off 55 deliveries during his career-best.

Bangladesh tottered early at 31-2 before Mohammad Ashraful and captain Shakib Al Hasan lifted their hopes in a 91-run third wicket stand.

But pacer Mohammad Sami removed Shakib at a crucial time and the underdog Bangladeshis ended on 151-7.

Shakib hit three fours and two sixes off 31 deliveries.

Ashraful, who struck four fours and three sixes off 49 deliveries, eventually deflected a paddle sweep to the wicket-keeper off left-arm seamer Mohammad Aamer.

Sami finished with 3-29 while Aamer took 2-16.

The Pakistan victory was anchored by Butt and Akmal's thrilling partnership, a national record for any wicket in this format.

Butt reached his half-century first, off 29 balls while Akmal joined him in the course of the same over.

Akmal, who was dropped at mid-on by Ashraful off pacer Mashrafe Mortaza when 13, took 43 balls for his landmark.

- AP