Pakistan cruise to victory

A superb century from opener Kamran Akmal helped Pakistan clinch an impressive six-wicket win over West Indies in the VB Series in Brisbane today.

West Indies recorded a solid total of 273 for five after being put into bat by Pakistan.

Mervyn Dillon then claimed two early wickets to apply more pressure on Inzamam-ul-Haq's side.

However, Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik put together a third-wicket partnership of 123 before the latter fell to Ian Bradshaw for 60.

Kamran Akmal carried on regardless, powering to 124 off just 125 balls before holing out to Brian Lara to give Bradshaw his second wicket.

Inzamam weighed in with an unbeaten 62 and Yousuf Youhana was nine not out when victory was secured with three overs to spare.

For the West Indies, Chris Gayle survived a slow start and a dropped slip catch to compile a fine 82 off 99 balls.

Ramnaresh Sarwan provided plenty of support with 76 while captain Lara produced a timely cameo with 39 from just 30 balls.

Pakistan were rocked by another injury to Shoaib Akhtar but Naved-ul-Hasan was in good form, helping restrict the Windies to just 26 from their first 10 overs and then picking up the wickets of Lara and Ricardo Powell late on.

Both teams lost their opening match against hosts Australia in the triangular tournament.