Dubai – West Indies stumbled to a seven-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their first official warm-up match ahead of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup on Monday.
The Windies failed to defend a modest target of 131 in the match at the ICC Academy, as Pakistan captain Babar Azam stroked a composed 50 off 41 balls at the top of the order.
But the bowling of the Caribbean side came under pressure from Fakhar Zaman, who produced the fireworks, slamming 46 from 24 balls including a maximum to wrap up the win with 27 balls remaining.
Earlier, left-hander Shimron Hetmyer led the way with 28 and a quick-fire 23 off 10 balls from captain Kieron Pollard helped West Indies to 130 for seven.
Spinners Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan conceded only 13 off their five combined overs, as the Windies top order got bogged down.
Summarised scores:
WEST INDIES 130 for seven off 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 28, Kieron Pollard 23, Chris Gayle 20; Hasan Ali 2-21, Haris Rauf 2-32, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-41).
PAKISTAN 131 for three off 15.3 overs (Babar Azam 50, Fakhar Zaman 46 not out; Hayden Walsh 2-41).
(AR)
