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Akhtar returns to help Pakistan to 35-run Canada win

Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar marked his return to international cricket by taking two wickets to help Pakistan to a 35-run win over Canada in a four-nation Twenty 20 tournament on Friday.

Shoaib, who last played for the national team against India last December before a spectacular fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board, struck in his first over when he removed Abdool Samad and Mohammad Iqbal.

The 33-year-old finished with 2-11, although he suffered the indignity of being pulled for six by Rizwan Cheema.

Pakistan opener Salman Butt was man of the match for his 74 off 56 balls as the Asian giants made a modest 137-7, before Canada were restricted to 102-9. Cheema and Manoj David added 52 for the third wicket to give Canada hope, but once David was removed by Umar Gul the home side lost their next six wickets for just 37 runs.

Sri Lanka’s latest spin sensation Ajantha Mendis took three wickets and was named man of the match as his side clinched a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe.

Mendis finished with 3-15 from three overs after ripping the heart out of the Zimbabwe middle order, including dismissing Prosper Utseya with his “carrom ball,” which turns away from the right-handers. Tatenda Taibu, the former captain, finished on 45 to push Zimbabwe to 106-8 off 17 overs in match shortened by the damp outfield.

Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Udawatte put on 36 in four overs, before Udawatte was caught behind. Thilina Kandamby and skipper Mahela Jayawardene were both run out as Zimbabwe reduced Sri Lanka to 77-5, before Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Maharoof saw them home.
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