Butt calls the shots

Salman Butt comfortably top-scored for Pakistan as they saw off Canada

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A maiden Twenty20 half-century from Salman Butt helped Pakistan to a 35-run win over hosts Canada in the quadrangular series.

Butt’s 74 from 56 balls formed the backbone of Pakistan’s innings as they reached 137 for seven after electing to bat first in King City.

Canada made a valiant reply thanks in part to opener Rizwan Cheema, but they ran out of steam against their more illustrious opponents.

Pakistan have Butt to thank for their total with Misbah-ul-Haq (17) and Younus Khan (13) the only other players to reach double figures for the tourists.

By the time Harvir Baidwan removed Butt, the damage had been done with Pakistan 127 for four after 18 overs.

Baidwan and Umar Bhatti shared the wickets for Canada with three apiece.

Canada made the worst possible start in their reply with opener Abdool Samad removed by Shoaib Akhtar with the second ball of the innings, but Cheema (35), Manoj David (17) and captain Sunil Dhaniram (17) added some respectability to the hosts’ score.

Pakistan’s bowlers proved too strong though as Shoaib, Sohail Tanvir and Shoaib Malik took two wickets each to restrict Canada to 102 for nine.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka enjoyed a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the quadrangular series.