KOLKATA: Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh by 55 runs on Wednesday in their opening match of World Twenty20, with skipper Shahid Afridi starring with bat and ball at the Eden Gardens stadium.

Afridi scored a blistering 49 off just 19 balls in Pakistan’s commanding total of 201 for five before taking two wickets, including that of danger man Tamim Iqbal, as Bangladesh made 146 for six in their 20 overs.

Ahmed Shehzad (52) and Mohammad Hafeez (64) hit entertaining fifties to stitch a 95-run second wicket partnership and lay a solid foundation for others to build on.

In Mumbai, a scintillating century from Chris Gayle powered the West Indies to a six-wicket victory over England.

Gayle pummelled 100 off just 48 balls, including 11 sixes, as the West Indies comfortably chased down England’s modest total of 182 for six with 11 balls remaining and the loss of four wickets.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2016