Pakistan survive late Bangladesh fightback

- Scorecard

Pakistan survived a late onslaught from Bangladesh to win their opening Twenty20 World Cup Group A match by 21 runs on Saturday in an encouraging start to their title defence.

Openers Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt laid the foundations for an impressive total of 172 for three with identical scores of 73 and a 142-run partnership.

Both men hit eight fours while Akmal smashed one six and man of the match Butt cracked two.

Pakistan looked to be cruising to victory when they dismissed Imrul Kayes in the first over and Tamim Iqbal in the sixth.

Bangladesh fought back though with Mohammad Ashraful hitting a stylish 65 off 49 balls, featuring three sixes.

He was supported by Shakib Al Hasan (47) as the pair added 91 for the third wicket to give Pakistan cause for concern before Mohammad Sami, playing his first Twenty20 international, swung the momentum back in favour of his team with two wickets in one over.

Pakistan face Australia on Sunday in their final group match while Bangladesh tackle the Australians on Wednesday needing to win to have any hope of advancing.