West Indies’ Andre Russell celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Haris Sohail (Oli SCARFF)

Nottingham (United Kingdom) (AFP) – All-rounder Andre Russell exposed Pakistan’s fragile batting with two wickets in the space of 12 balls to give West Indies an early advantage in their World Cup clash at Trent Bridge on Friday.

The 31-year-old right arm paceman bowled opener Fakhar Zaman for 22 in his first over and then had Haris Sohail caught behind off a sharp rising delivery for eight.

Pakistan were struggling at 45 for three after the 10-over power-play.

Russell had figures of 2-4 in three overs.

West Indies captain Jason Holder earlier won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat.

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir is making his World Cup debut for Pakistan. He missed the 2011 and 2015 World Cups due to a five-year spot-fixing ban.

Imam-ul-Haq was the first batsman to be dismissed, caught behind the wicket by Shai Hope for two off the bowling of left-armer Sheldon Cottrell.

Russell then struck twice before Babar Azam (22) was caught by Hope off paceman Oshane Thomas to leave Pakistan struggling at 62-4 in the 14th over.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.