West Indies kicked-off their World Cup 2019 campaign on an impressive note after thrashing Pakistan by seven wickets at Trent Bridge on Friday, 31 May.
After bundling out the Green Brigade on a paltry 105 runs, the Caribbean opener and self-proclaimed Universe Boss Chris Gayle smashed a 34-ball half century while unbeaten Nicholas Pooran contributed with 19-ball 34 runs to ensure their side reach home safely.
Chasing the meagre target, Windies openers -- Gayle and Shai Hope (11 off 17) started on a cautious note, putting 32 runs in the first four overs. Just when the partnership looked developing, Mohammad Amir gave Pakistan some respite as he packed back Hope in the fifth over when the Windies were at 36 runs.
Earlier, overcast conditions and some quality bowlers in the team saw West Indies skipper Jason Holder have no hesitation in winning the toss and bowling first and the result was Pakistan folding up for just 105 as Oshane Thomas (4/27) and Holder (3/42) ran through the Pakistan batting line-up.
Taking strike in overcast conditions, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed had spoken about the need to play out the first few overs cautiously. But that wasn't to be as Imam-ul-Haq (2) was dismissed by Sheldon Cottrell in the third over of the innings.
The Pakistan batsmen just didn't seem to have the technique to take on the Windies pacers on a wicket that helped fast bowlers.
Tottering at 83/9, it finally took some hitting from Wahab Riaz (18) as the Pakistan total went past the 100-run mark.
Brief Scores: West Indies 108/3 in 13.4 overs (Chris Gayle 50, Nicholas Pooran 34 not out; Mohammad Amir 3/26) beat Pakistan 105 all out (Babar Azam 22; Thomas 4/27, Holder 3/42) by 7 wickets.
(With Inputs from IANS)
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