Hafeez shows off talent

Mohammad Hafeez starred with both bat and ball for Pakistan

Pakistan’s batting power proved too much for Canada in their warm-up match in Trinidad as the Asian side eased to a 77-run victory.

Mohammad Hafeez (61), captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (59) and Kamran Akmal (56) all made the most of their opportunities to post 273 for eight in a match reduced to 48 overs a side after 76 minutes were lost when a sightscreen was blown over.

Canada had enjoyed a good start having won the toss, reducing Pakistan to 66 for four but they could not hold their opponents at bay for much longer.

In reply the minor nation were in a good position at 72 for one but three wickets apiece for Iftikhar Anjum and Hafeez scuppered their chances of staging a sustained challenge and they were bowled out for 196 in 47th over.

Iftikhar removed opener Geoff Barnett (28) in his first over, and also accounted for Ian Billcliff (1) and skipper John Davison (0) while leg-spinner Danish Kaneria dismissed Ashish Bagai (13).

Ashif Mulla (31) and Qaiser Ali (37) added 45 for the sixth wicket but Mulla’s dismissal as he played back to Azhar Mahmood and was lbw, effectively sealed the game for Pakistan.

Azhar Mahmood made the most of his lifeline with two wickets © Getty Images

Mahmood bowled Desmond Chumney (6) and Hafeez used his off-spin to grab the last three wickets at a cost of 10 runs.

Canada’s decision to field on winning the toss seemed justified as Pakistan lost four wickets for 66 runs by the 16th over.

Younis Khan (11) fell to former West Indies paceman Anderson Cummins in the sixth over, caught by Bagai.

The 1992 champions looked comfortable in advancing to 60 before three quick wickets threatened to derail them.

Imran Nazir (26) was caught at third man, cutting at Henry Osinde at 60 in the 14th over, and Mohammed Yousuf (21) drove left-arm pacer Umar Bhatti straight to Kevin Sandher at mid off four runs later.

Pakistan fell further into trouble at 66 when Shoaib Malik (one) was bowled by Osinde.

However, Inzamam and Hafeez added 93 for the fifth wicket to put the innings back on track.

Inzamam looked in good form, hitting 11 fours in his 64-ball innings which lasted 83 minutes.

He was particularly severe on the short balls before he became the first of two victims for Sunil Dhaniram, spooning a catch to mid-off as he attempted to drive.

Pakistan lost Shahid Afridi (0) one run later before Hafeez and Akmal combined in a seventh-wicket partnership of 40 of 30 balls.

Hafeez struck five fours and a six in his 71-ball innings before he pulled Dhaniram into Osinde’s hands at deep midwicket to leave Pakistan 200 for seven.

Akmal then took charge of the innings, blasting four sixes and two fours in his whirlwind knock which came off just 37 balls. He added 57 for the eighth wicket with Mahmood, whose contribution was 23.