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Windies crush Pakistan to kick off World Cup campaign

Windies crush Pakistan to kick off World Cup campaign

By REUTERS

West Indies' Darren Bravo is dismissed after being caught out by Pakistan's Babar Azam off the bowling of Mohammad Amir. Photo: Reuters

NOTTINGHAM: West Indies eased to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their World Cup opener at Trent Bridge on Friday after an Oshane Thomas-led pace attack swept them away for 105. Opener Chris Gayle, set to retire at the end of the tournament, led the Windies reply with a blistering 50 off 34 balls as the two-times champions chased down the total, reaching 108-3 with 36.2 overs to spare. Having elected to field, West Indies made full use of overcast conditions as Thomas took four wickets for 27 runs, while captain Jason Holder (3-42) and the returning Andre Russell (2-4) completed the demolition job. Pakistan were dismissed in 21.4 overs for their lowest World Cup total since a paltry 74 against England at Adelaide in 1992, the year Imran Khan's team went on to lift their only 50-overs crown. READ ALSO: