Pakistan defeated West Indies by 27 runs to kickstart their campaign in the World Cup in style at Bristol on May 16.

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram struck a swashbuckling 43 off just 28 balls to pull Pakistan to some respectability after West Indies pacemen Courtney Walsh and Mervyn Dillon left them on the brink of a total collapse in their opening Group B clash.

The experienced Walsh struck early blows to capture three for 27, including the wickets of Akram, and Dillon returned an equally impressive three for 29 as West Indies restricted Pakistan to 229 for eight in 50 overs.

In reply, West Indies were all out for 202 in 48.5 overs. For West Indies, S Chandrapaul was the top scorer who made 77.

West Indian captain Brian Lara, Vice-captain Adams and wicket-keeper R Jacobs got out to poor shots.

West Indies also needs to include another regular bowler if they want to do well in the remaining matches. With Pakistan 40 for 4, West Indies looked in command but once Walsh and Ambrose were taken off, Pakistan batsmen took full advantage of part-time bowlers’ wayward bowling.

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