Shahid Afridi inspires Pakistan to a 38-run win over Canada

Colombo : Skipper Shahid Afridi picked up five wickets as Pakistan avoided a second shock at the Cricket World Cup as they beat Canada by 46 runs in their Group A match in Colombo.

Canada bowled out Pakistan for 184 and in reply reached 104 for three with 17 overs to go, before collapsing to 138 all out. Leg-spinner Afridi, took five for 23.

Canada’s top scorer was Jimmy Hansra, who scored 43. He was bowled out by Afridi, who also affected a run-out as the Canadians fell short.

Pakistan now lead Group A from Sri Lanka and Australia, having won all three of their matches.

Afridi ensured his side retained their 100 percent record at the World Cup, as they scraped past Canada in their World Cup Group A match.

Umar Akmal top-scored for Pakistan, with 48, and helped to rescue the innings after they had fallen to 67 for four. Misbah-ul-Haq scored 37 in a partnership with Umar of 73.

Pakistan, who won their first two matches against Kenya and Sri Lanka, left out injured left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman and rested paceman Shoaib Akhtar to bring in off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and Wahab Riaz.

Canada were forced to leave out veteran opener John Davison after he suffered a leg injury.