GEORGETOWN: All-rounder Shahid Afridi returned to international cricket with a blistering half century and a career-best 7-12 as Pakistan recorded a thumping 126-run victory over West Indies in the first one-day international yesterday.
Afridi, recalled after missing last month’s Champions Trophy, due to poor form, scored 76 off 55 balls to pilot Pakistan to 224-9.
Afridi then skittled West Indies out for 98 in 41 overs to record the second-best ever bowling figures in one-day internationals after Sri Lanka’s Chamina Vaas’ 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.
West Indies had Pakistan on the mat at 47-5 before Afridi and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (52) featured in a 120-run stand against some inconsistent bowling which saw the home team bowling 23 wide balls.
The second match will be played tomorrow. AGENCIES
