World Cup: West Indies set Pakistan 311 to win

Denesh Ramdin

Christchurch, Feb 21 - An all-round batting performance from the West Indies helped them to 310 for six in their World Cup Pool B match against a sloppy Pakistan here on Saturday.

Pakistan were left to rue several dropped catches after winning the toss and deciding to bowl first as the West Indies recovered from the loss of early wickets to post a strong total at Hagley Oval.

The West Indies struggled early on as destructive opener Chris Gayle (4) went early, top edging pacer Mohammed Irfan's delivery.

Fellow opener Dwayne Smith (23) was soon back in the pavilion as the side from the Caribbean were reduced to 28-2 inside the first eight overs.

However, the West Indies were able to recover as Darren Bravo (49) and Marlon Samuels (38) tried to attack before Bravo retired hurt with a hamstring injury.

Denesh Ramdin's 51 off 43 helped to accelerate the Windies past 300, with Lendl Simmons hitting 50 off 91 balls.

The West Indies managed to reach 310-6 after Andre Russell smashed a quick-fire 43 off just 13 deliveries in the dying overs.

Pakistan have strengthened their batting line-up since their opening match loss to India by dropping leg-spinner Yasir Shah and bringing in Nasir Jamshed as opener.

Veteran batsman Younis Khan is scheduled to bat at No.3, Haris Sohail at four and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq at five.

For the West Indies, spinner Sulieman Benn replaced Kemar Roach in their bowling attack from the side that lost to Ireland.

Brief Scores: West Indies 310/6 (Denesh Ramdin 51, Lendl Simmons 50; Haris Sohail 2/62, Mohammad Irfan 1/44)