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Shoaib makes winning return for Pakistan

October 11, 2008 12:35 IST

Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar marked his return to international cricket by taking two wickets as Pakistan beat Canada by 35 runs in the four-nation Twenty 20 tournament in Toronto on Friday.

Shoaib, who last played for the national team against India in December before a spectacular fall-out with the Pakistan Cricket Board, struck in his first over when he dismissed Abdool Samad and Mohammad Iqbal.

The 33-year-old finished with 2-11 although he suffered the indignity of being pulled for six by Rizwan Cheema.

Pakistan opener Salman Butt was man of the match for his 74 off 56 balls as the Asian giants made a modest 137-7 before restricting Canada to 102 for 9.

Cheema and Manoj David added 52 for the third wicket to give Canada hope but once David was dismissed by Umar Gul, the home side lost their next six wickets for just 37 runs.

Pakistan were made to work for their runs and when skipper Shoaib Malik (9) was dismissed, they were 63 for 3 following the losses of debutant Shoaib Khan (9) and Younis Khan (13).

Butt's contribution was decisive, with Misbah-ul-Haq (17) the next highest scorer.

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