PCB Still Confident Ahead Of Ruling

The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf is confident the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan ahead of an International Cricket Council meeting on Thursday to decide the issue.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 11 to 28, but doubts have persisted over security.

Players from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England have said they would opt out of the tournament if it was held in Pakistan

ICC officials, members of the participating boards and representatives of broadcast channel ESPN-Star reviewed security arrangements for the tournament on Sunday, but no final decision on the venue was taken.

The ICC will now take that decision on Thursday.

"The ICC will have a teleconference meeting on Thursday to take a final decision," Ashraf said.

"We are confident that the ICC will take the right decision and keep the tournament in Pakistan. It is very important for Pakistan cricket.

"We are in touch with all the participating boards and we are trying to assure them that all possible security precautions are being put into place for the Champions Trophy and it is safe to play in Pakistan."

The ICC, however, has stated that safety and security of players would be paramount and would not be compromised.

"We have maintained, we would not compromise on safety and security of players," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

"We are trying our best to hold the tournament as per schedule and hope that it is not postponed."

Lorgat said while every precaution was being taken to ensure the safety of players, no guarantees could be given.

"There have been concerns because no guarantees, as far as safety and security are concerned, can be given by the PCB, the ICC or security consultants.

"We need to do everything in our power to secure and safeguard officials, but we can never issue guarantees."

The ICC said it would need the votes of seven full members to move the tournament away from Pakistan.

PCB not sure which drug Mohammad Asif consumed

The PCB has said that it was not sure about the drug which fast bowler Mohammad Asif had consumed while playing in the IPL.

A PCB spokesman said here last evening that they had not received any information from the IPL officials or any other body about the substance Asif had consumed.

“The mail sent to us by the IPL only informed us that Asif had tested positive that is all. It does not mention which substance he tested positive for. And I don’t think they will declare the substance until his ‘B’ sample test is conducted and a conclusive report comes,” the Daily Times quoted the spokesman as saying.

Asif’s first urine sample came up positive for a banned substance during tests conducted by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory and the pacer has now asked for a test of his ‘B’ sample.

Asif’s lawyer Shahid Kazmi reportedly told an Indian TV channel that the embattled pacer had tested positive for nandrolone during the IPL. However, when contacted he denied making such a comment. “I have not mentioned nandrolone or any other substance because we have still not got a detailed report from the IPL about the first test,” he claimed. Kazmi said the IPL committee had already sent them a reply to the request for the ‘B’ sample test that would be carried out on July 28.

Pakistan to name 30 probable for ICC Champions Trophy today

Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to name the preliminary squad comprising 30 probable for the ICC Champions Trophy today.

According to PCB sources, National Selection Committee headed by Salahuddin Sallu has finalized the list of preliminary squad, which could be announced any time today.

Shoaib Akhtar, Muhammad Asif and Umer Gull are also among the squad however their final selection in final 15 would depend on their fitness level. Asif will have to clear Board’s inquiry also, it said.

Wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal dropped from Asia Cup is likely to be named in the squad.

The PCB’s selection committee has also completed its necessary homework for four-nation Twenty20 tournament to be played in Canada.

Cold war between Shoaib Akhtar and PCB on peak again

Cold war between fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) once again is being seen on the peak.

The PCB will not include Shoaib Akhtar into the preliminary list of the players for the Champions Trophy unless he pays the fine while the fast bowler is not ready to pay.

Shoaib Akhtar will submit his written reply against the notice by the PCB for payment of the fine of Rs 7 million.

Lawyer of Shoaib, Abid Minto said that he made contact with him after receiving the notice for the payment of the fine and the board in this regard would be informed in writing.

Sources said that an assurance would be given from Shoaib Akhtar to the board that this case is in the court which has issued an stay-order against his ban and he would pay the fine on the final verdict of the case.

Legal advisor to PCB Tafazzul Rizvi said that chief justice Syed Zahid Hussain has maintained in his verdict that would have to pay the fine. Therefore, if he is included in the team without paying the fine it would be considered as the contempt of the court, so this is inevitable for Shoaib Akhtar to pay the fine if he wants to play for Pakistan.

PCB want compensation if venue is shifted

In case the ICC shifts the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan from September 11-28, the PCB will demand a substantial compensation from the international cricket body, board sources have said.

Reports during past few days have suggested that the ICC was mulling over shifting the tournament to Sri Lanka or South Africa, in the wake of recent terror attacks in Islamabad and Karachi.

Pakistan will not take any negative ICC decision on the Champions Trophy just lying down and will seek compensation in case the tournament is taken out of the country, The News quoted well placed PCB sources as saying.

The ICC is under considerable pressure from a few competing nations to take away the Champions Trophy from Pakistan because of security concerns. Several players from Australia , England and New Zealand have openly raised doubts about their participation in the tournament.

The PCB sources said that in case Pakistan was deprived of the Champions Trophy, the PCBs primary demand will be to get a three million dollar hosting fee from the ICC. As the host country of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is to receive that amount from ICC - the games governing body. But they could be deprived of the fee if the tournament is relocated from Pakistan .

Besides, said the sources, the Board is also considering demanding the hosting rights of the next edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. The 2010 tournament has been awarded to the West Indies, but the PCB will ask the ICC to reconsider that decision in case this years Champions Trophy is taken away from Pakistan .

Bad-boys Shoaib and Asif recalled to preliminary Champions Trophy squad

Pace pair Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have been included in Pakistan's preliminary Champions Trophy squad, according to chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.

Shoaib is available after an 18-month ban for indiscipline imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board was temporarily lifted by the Lahore High Court last week.

Asif was detained in Dubai for nearly three weeks last month under suspicion of carrying drugs. His availability for the tournament in Pakistan in September will depend on the report from the PCB investigation into the issue.

Another seamer, Umar Gul, also features despite suffering a rib injury in the recent Asia Cup.

"We have included Shoaib Akhtar's name in the list of 30 probables for the ICC Champions Trophy along with Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul," said Salahuddin.

"But, while Shoaib and Umar have to prove their fitness, Asif's selection will largely depend on the report of PCB's fact-finding committee."

Pakistan Selector: Afridi`s Career Not Done For

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed has rubbished reports Shahid Afridi is on the verge of being dropped from Pakistan's Twenty20 side.

Pakistan are expected to finalise arrangements this week for a tournament in Toronto with West Indies and Bangladesh, which is pencilled in for August 13 to 16.

Reports in Pakistan suggest skipper Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson are keen to leave Afridi, who has had a poor run with the bat, out of their squad for the trip to Canada.

But Salahuddin said: "Afridi is one of our best Twenty20 players and there is no way we are going to overlook him for the Toronto event.

"The players and officials are backing Afridi and believe that he will soon return to form."

One player likely to miss out is controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

Shoaib had an 18-month ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Court provisionally lifted by the Lahore High Court last week, but he is expected to be told he must prove his fitness before rejoining the national team.

Pakistan security chief promises a safe Champions Trophy

Pakistan's top security official Wednesday announced that adequate measures will be taken in the coming weeks to assuage fears of teams taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy in September.

Rehman Malik, security adviser to the government, told reporters here at the National Stadium on the sidelines of Pakistan's Asia Cup match against India that security arrangements for the Champions Trophy will be made water-tight through a series of concrete measures.

'We are aware that some of the participating team have some concerns,' said Malik.

'We are working on further improving the security blanket in a bid to make those teams feel better,' he added.

Leading players of defending champions Australia, New zealand and England have expressed concerns over security situation in Pakistan and have hinted that they may boycott the Champions Trophy.

Malik pointed out that Pakistan have made excellent security arrangements for the ongoing Asia Cup and would make them even better for the Champions Trophy.

Malik said that on his recent visit to Pakistan, ICC President Ray Mali was also briefed on the security cover for the Champions Trophy. 'He (Mali) was impressed with the arrangements to be made by us for the Champions Trophy.'

Pakistan are to host the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in September. They have received a boost following a vocal support by the Indian cricket board.

Eng-Pak Oval result to be changed

The International Cricket Council is planning to change the result of the controversial 2006 Test between England and Pakistan.

The match at The Oval was originally given to England after Pakistan were accused of ball-tampering and refused to re-enter the field after tea on the fourth day.

England were 4-293 in their second innings and field umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove awarded England five penalty runs, ruling the Pakistan team had been guilty of doctoring the ball to help it swing. The game was forfeited, giving England a 3-0 series lead.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was later cleared of ball-tampering by an ICC tribunal, although he was banned for four matches for bringing the game into disrepute by initially refusing to resume play.

Pakistan blamed Hair for the result and in the aftermath the Australian was dropped from the ICC's elite umpiring panel and took them to an industrial tribunal, alleging racial discrimination. The case eventually collapsed.

The former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar Khan told the BBC he "would welcome any decision to change the result".

A formal announcement of the decision on whether to change the result of the test is expected on Friday (EST).

Lawson apologises for row with media

Geoff Lawson, Pakistan's Australian coach, has apologised for a row with the media after Sunday's Asia Cup defeat by Sri Lanka in Karachi.

Lawson said at the post-match news conference: "A couple of rules before we start: don't make statements, ask questions. If someone asks the question twice I won't answer it, and make your question sensible otherwise I won't answer it, okay."

This led to a heated exchange with some journalists, who accused him of trying to dictate to the media, and a walkout. Lawson said on Monday: "What happened was regrettable and I would like to apologise for the events that led to the incident."

PCB Allay Security Fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board have dismissed fears over security when the country hosts the Champions Trophy in September.

Several Australia and New Zealand players have announced this week that they would refuse to travel to Pakistan regardless of assurances on safety from the International Cricket Council.

However, a delegation of ICC officials, including security experts, visited Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi - the three venues - and declared they were satisfied with the arrangements.

ICC president Ray Mali has predictably given Pakistan a boost by saying the PCB was well prepared to host the tournament.

PCB director of cricket operations Zakir Khan told The News the board is yet to receive official communication on the matter from either Australia or New Zealand.

"We've been hearing through media reports that there may be concerns among some of the players about the Champions Trophy," Zakir said.

"But we are not taking any of it seriously unless there is an official confirmation from the boards of those countries."

An ICC official claimed the world body was ready to deal with any reservations which teams or players had about playing in Pakistan.

"We will deal with any team's concerns and reservations when the need arises (but) let's not answer hypothetical questions at this stage," said ICC communication manager Samiul-Hasan.

"The ICC and the PCB have set high standards for the tournament and we will ensure the event fits those standards."

The ICC will make a final decision on whether Pakistan will host the tournament at their executive meeting in Dubai on June 29. Sri Lanka is the alternative host nation.

PCB Allay Security Fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board have dismissed fears over security when the country hosts the Champions Trophy in September.

Several Australia and New Zealand players have announced this week that they would refuse to travel to Pakistan regardless of assurances on safety from the International Cricket Council.

However, a delegation of ICC officials, including security experts, visited Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi - the three venues - and declared they were satisfied with the arrangements.

ICC president Ray Mali has predictably given Pakistan a boost by saying the PCB was well prepared to host the tournament.

PCB director of cricket operations Zakir Khan told The News the board is yet to receive official communication on the matter from either Australia or New Zealand.

"We've been hearing through media reports that there may be concerns among some of the players about the Champions Trophy," Zakir said.

"But we are not taking any of it seriously unless there is an official confirmation from the boards of those countries."

An ICC official claimed the world body was ready to deal with any reservations which teams or players had about playing in Pakistan.

"We will deal with any team's concerns and reservations when the need arises (but) let's not answer hypothetical questions at this stage," said ICC communication manager Samiul-Hasan.

"The ICC and the PCB have set high standards for the tournament and we will ensure the event fits those standards."

The ICC will make a final decision on whether Pakistan will host the tournament at their executive meeting in Dubai on June 29. Sri Lanka is the alternative host nation.

Asif to pay legal bills if found guilty: PCB

Mohammad Asif will have to pay up the money that the Pakistan Cricket Board spent on defending him in the drug possession case in Dubai if he is found guilty in the internal inquiry to be conducted by the PCB.

A three-member fact-finding committee has been instituted by the PCB which will submit its recommendations on the matter to the Board in two weeks' time, PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said after a governing body meeting in Lahore on Saturday.

Ashraf said Asif would be ineligible to play until the committee completes its inquiry and submits its report. The PCB chief said strict action would be taken against the lanky pacer if he is found guilty, including being asked to reimburse the money spent on him by the Board.

"The governing body unanimously decided that if Asif is found of having committed any wrong or used drugs in this case severe action would be taken against him and all such players. And all such expenses incurred on his case would be paid by Asif," Ashraf said.

Asif returned from Dubai on Friday after the public prosecutor and attorney general didn't press any charges against him.

He was detained at the Dubai airport on June 1 while returning from India to Pakistan for allegedly carrying contraband drugs.

Asif, later, denied that the substance recovered from him was any drug and claimed it was a medicine prescribed by a Hakeem one month ago in Pakistan.

The pacer also insisted that he never used drugs or banned substances in his life.

PCB seeks UAE ruler's help to sort out issue

The Pakistan Cricket Board, in another attempt to get Mohd. Asif released, has sought the help from the ruler of UAE, it is learned here.

According to UAE-based sources, PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf, who flew into Dubai from Bangladesh on late on Sunday, was scheduled to meet H.E.Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi late Monday afternoon.

Besides being the minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Nahyan is also the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (ADCC).

It may be recalled here that the PCB has agreed to send its team to Abu Dhabi to play three ODIs against the West Indies on November 12, 14 and 16.

Interestingly, Dilawar Mani, the ADCC president, was not involved in this process.

The meeting was likely to have been arranged by Ahsan Ullah Khan, the Pakistan Ambassador in UAE, it is also understood.

It could not be confirmed whether the PCB chairman was allowed on Monday to meet Asif at the detention centre.

Pakistan reduce gap in ICC ODI rankings

Pakistan's triumph over India in the just-concluded tri-series in Bangladesh saw them close the gap by two rating points with India in latest ICC ODI rankings issued on Sunday.

However, the 25-run victory over India in the finals of the tri-series last night was not enough to propel Shoaib Malik's men from the fifth spot, although it seriously dented India's chances of leapfrogging to the third spot toppling New Zealand.

A win against Pakistan last night would have propelled India two points ahead of Daniel Vettori's side. Pakistan's victory also meant that they are now six points clear of Sri Lanka and England, who are languishing at the sixth and seventh spot.

South Africa and Australia continue to top the table, 14 points ahead of the Kiwis.

The ladder is lot more congested further down with just eight points separating New Zealand and seventh-placed England.

However, with the ODI series between the two sides up for grabs, there is every possibility of movements in the ladder board in the days to come.

A 5-0 win will see England join Pakistan on 111 points while New Zealand would slip to sixth position.

However, if the result is reverse, then Paul Collingwood's side will drop from 105 to 101 ratings points while New Zealand will extend its lead over fourth-placed India to five points.

Pakistan beat India in tri-series final

Salman Butt and Younus Khan hammered centuries to set up Pakistan's thrilling 25-run victory over arch-rivals India in the triangular one-day series final here on Saturday.

Left-handed opener Butt retired hurt on 129 and Younus scored a brisk 108 as Pakistan posted 315-3 before restricting India to 290 to avenge their record defeat earlier in the series.

India, under pressure after Pakistan's fireworks, were in deep trouble when they lost four wickets for 106, including those of in-form openers Virender Sehwag (two) and Gautam Gambhir (40).

Yuvraj Singh then made a brave 56 and put on 73 for the fifth wicket with Suresh Raina (24) to keep alive his team's hopes of winning the series also featuring Bangladesh.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (64) and Irfan Pathan (28) made a 60-run stand for the seventh wicket, but it came too late to stop Pakistan, whose fast bowler Umar Gul recorded 4-57.

"It's one of the biggest wins of my career," said Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik.

"Younus and Butt batted brilliantly. We worked very hard after losing the previous match (against India) in the league."

The afternoon session belonged to Butt and Younus, who gave a superb exhibition of stroke-making during their record-equalling 205-run stand for the second wicket against India.

Pakistan, thrashed by India by a record 140 runs earlier in the tournament, were indebted to Butt and Younus for setting a stiff target as both the batsmen put the attack to the sword.

"Younus and Butt batted really well. They really put pressure on our bowlers," said Dhoni.

"Chasing a 300-plus target is never easy. We had a couple of partnerships but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. We were on the back foot after losing early wickets."

Younus, who failed to open his account in the previous two games, made amends in the big match, dominating the Indian attack with bold shots on both sides of the wicket.

He played a key role in stepping up the run-rate after Pakistan managed just 75 in the opening 20 overs. He hoisted part-time spinner Sehwag for the first six and then hit two more sixes off leg-spinner Piyush Chawla.

Chawla conceded 85 runs in 10 wicketless overs, the third-most expensive spell by an Indian in one-day internationals after Javagal Srinath (87) and Thiru Kumaran (86).

Younus also hit eight fours in his 99-ball knock, his fourth century in one-day internationals.

Butt was outscored by his senior partner during the partnership. He gave a difficult chance on 19 when Rohit Sharma failed to hold a powerful cut in the covers off Praveen Kumar.

After that let-off, the left-hander gave no hope to the Indian bowlers, striking the ball cleanly before retiring hurt with cramp. He hit three sixes and 12 fours in his 136-ball knock.

It was Butt's seventh century in one-day internationals, and his fifth against India.

Younus was named man of the match and Butt man of the series.

PCB takes stock of security for Asia Cup

With the Asia Cup drawing closer, a concerned Pakistan Cricket Board met the country's top police officials to take stock of the security arrangements for the tournament to be staged here and in Lahore from June 24.

A top government official confirmed that the PCB has been assured of state level security for not only the Asia Cup but also the Champions Trophy that would be held later in the year.

Rehman Malik, the interior ministry adviser to the Prime Minister, said PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf had requested for the meeting three days back.

"He had some security fears on the ongoing situation of the country. So, I had called the Inspector General Police and the Home Secretary of respective provinces and other intelligence agencies.

"We discussed their concerns ahead of the Asia Cup and ICC Champions Trophy and their concerns have now been duly addressed," Malik said.

Malik said the government was very keen to see the two tournaments go ahead without any security glitches and a special security plan was being put in place to ensure that nothing untoward happens.

"We are confident everything would go smoothly. And there would be no problems," Malik said. He said the IG police and home secretaries of the provinces, where the matches would be held, had briefed the PCB officials about the security arrangements for the visiting teams.

While the Asian Cricket Council has given its go ahead to the PCB's security arrangements for the Asia Cup, the ICC has asked the Board to take some more measures for the Champions Trophy that would be held from September 11 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The tournament itinerary and match venues would be reconfirmed at the ICC executive board meeting later this month.

Pakistan is also due to host New Zealand for three one-dayers in late August ahead of the Champions Trophy and already some Kiwi players have started expressing concerns about playing here.

Pakistan, India clash in the big battle today

With the stage set for what is their biggest test of the year so far, Pakistan are confident that they would overcome old rivals India in a mouth-watering clash of the triangular series here today (Tuesday) to stretch their winning spree.

Pakistan, who have won their last 12 One-day Internationals on a trot, began their title campaign with a bang on Sunday night, thrashing hosts Bangladesh by 70 runs in a rain-hit match of the series and are now looking forward to get the best of the Indians, regarded as the favourites for the tri-nation crown.

“It would be a big game tomorrow,” Malik told reporters here on Monday. “The guys have played well (in the previous game against Bangladesh), all credit to them and we want to maintain our winning run against India,” he said.

Malik was pleased with the way his batsmen overcame tricky conditions to help Pakistan beat Bangladesh convincingly in the tournament opener on Sunday night. “When we started batting in the first innings, it was very difficult to bat because of the rain and all. But Salman Butt and Mohammad Yousuf batted really well,” said Malik. “I wanted Salman to anchor the innings and he did that.”

Both Butt (70) and Yousuf (59) struck half-centuries in setting a challenging target of 234 against the hosts. Younis Khan, the senior Pakistani batsman, said that his team will have to further raise it game to beat the in-form Indians. “We will have to score over 300 runs against India to be in a strong position because they are a dangerous side,” he said.

Pakistan have won all their 11 ODIs this year so far but all those matches were either against minnows Zimbabwe or Bangladesh. Todayís game against India would be their biggest game of 2008 so far.

For the Indians, the biggest task would be to quickly switch into the one-day mode to snap Pakistan’s 12-match winning streak today. Their coach Gary Kirsten is confident that his team will click against Pakistan.

“India and Pakistan matches are always electrifying. But our players are totally motivated, and the intensity is there to continue the good form in one-day cricket,” Kirsten told a news conference on Monday.

India, severely under-strength because of pre-tournament injury woes, would be in for further trouble as opener Virender Sehwag is a doubtful starter due to high fever. Besides, the team is still awaiting the arrival of pacer S Sreesanth’s replacement Manpreet Singh Gony.

With seniors like Sachin Tendulkar, recovering from a groin injury, and Harbhajan Singh, serving a ban for slapping Sreesanth during the IPL, not in the ranks, it would be anything but easy for Dhoni’s young brigade against Pakistan.

The Indians who arrived in Dhaka on Sunday had a feel of the ground and the conditions at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur and put in three hours at the indoor nets after rain prevented any outdoor practice session.

The short tri-series, being seen as a warm-up for the Asia Cup later this month in Pakistan, is crucial for the Indians as it provides an opportunity for players like all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, spinner Piyush Chawla and Manpreet Gony to show their worth in absence of the seniors.

With the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium likely to assist the batsmen, India’s new-look bowling attack, to be spearheaded by Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma, will be severely tested. India have the batting strength to score heavily on a strip like this but it remains to be seen how their bowlers contain hard hitters like Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Muhammad Yousuf.

The much-anticipated contest meanwhile faces a major threat from the weather gods. The opener itself was truncated because of intermittent drizzle and this match too could see rain interruptions.

As for the Pakistani attack, medium pacers, particularly young talent Wahab Riaz, were impressive in last night’s win over Bangladesh. But with Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif missing from the attack, it remains to be seen how Sohail Tanvir and his bowling colleagues fare against India’s star-studded line-up.

In the batting department, though Butt, Yousuf and Misbah looked in good nick, Pakistan’s line-up still sports a vulnerable look and even Bangladesh, with their limited options in the bowling department, shot them out in 39.3 overs.

Shoaib ban appeal deferred by PCB

A Pakistan Cricket Board tribunal has deferred a decision on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's appeal against a five-year ban until 14 June.

The career-threatening ban came after Shoaib, 32, publicly criticised the PCB's allocation of central contracts.

"We need more time to study the evidence," said tribunal chief Justice Farrukh Aftab.

Prior to the ban's imposition, Shoaib had been serving a two-year probation for attacking team-mate Mohammad Asif.

The tribunal had temporarily lifted the ban to allow Pakistani paceman Shoaib to participate in the Indian Premier League, where he had a brief stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Shoaib's own contract had been downgraded by the PCB.

Other members of the appellate tribunal include former Test cricketer Haseeb Ahsen and Naveed Chaudhry, who was included only last week after Salman Taseer took over as Governor of Punjab.

Pakistan take tri-nations opener

Pakistan completed their 12th one-day win in a row with a 70-run victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected opening match of the tri-series in Dhaka.

With the game reduced to 40 overs a side, hosts Bangladesh opted to field as Pakistan scored 233 in 39.3 overs.

Opener Salman Butt (70) led the way, ably assisted by Mohammad Yousuf (59).

Bowlers Shahid Afridi (3-19) and Wahab Riaz (3-22) took control for Pakistan, while captain Mohammad Ashraful (56 not out) top-scored for Bangladesh.

Pakistan meet India in their next match on Tuesday in Mirpur.