Pakistan had a terrific opening against Bangladesh as they piled up 172 for 3 in the Group A match at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia. Having won the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan were put into a tremendous position by openers Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal. The duo put up a rollicking stand of 142 in 15.5 overs on a good batting track. Salman Butt improved his attacking strokeplay and got his 73 in just 46 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Kamran Akmal on the other hand scored the same amount of runs but took 55 balls while hitting 8 fours and a six.
There was nothing much Bangladesh could do as they struggled to find the breakthrough most part of the Pakistani innings. The pitch didn't provide any assistance to the five spinners used by Bangladesh. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan was the pick of the bowlers with his 2 for 27 in 4 overs. The Tigers do have a fair chance to chase this target down and Pakistan will have to take some early wickets if they have to defend the same.
