Akmal blows carry Pakistan to thrilling victory

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Big-hitting from Kamran Akmal in the final over carried Pakistan to a four-wicket win over West Indies with one ball to spare in the first one-day international at the Sheikh Zayed stadium on Wednesday.

Akmal smashed pacer Jerome Taylor for successive sixes and took a three off a misfield to settle the issue as Pakistan overhauled their target of 294.

Chris Gayle hit 113, his 17th ODI hundred, in a total of 294 for nine but it was overshadowed as allrounder Fawad Alam (26) and wicketkeeper Akmal (24), who came together with 33 required from 17 balls, got Pakistan home.

Debutant fast bowler Lionel Baker took three wickets for West Indies but the hosts were boosted by half-centuries from Khurrum Manzoor (69), Younis Khan (56) and captain Shoaib Malik (66).

Malik hit six fours and one six after opener Salman Butt struggled for 53 balls to score 24 runs in an opening stand of 64 with Manzoor.

Earlier, Gayle bludgeoned his 113 in 106 balls with 11 fours and five sixes as his side took full advantage of a good batting track after winning the toss.

Pakistan, though, pegged West Indies back by grabbing six wickets in the final 10 overs.