Pakistan beat hosts Canada by 35 runs in their opening match at the Al Barakah Twenty20 Canada Cup tournament here.

Electing to bat first, Pakistan scored 137 for the loss of seven wickets in their quota of 20 overs. Opening left hand batsman Salman Butt scored an impressive 74 from 56 balls which included six boundaries and three huge sixes. From Canada, both Harvir Baidwan and Umar Bhatti took three wickets each. 

In reply, Canada put up a brave show and scored 102 for nine, falling short of the target by 35 runs. Rizwan Cheema scored the highest 35 for Canada. Playing his first international since last December, fast bowler Shoaib Akthar took 2 wickets in his 3 overs.

Scores in brief: Pakistan 137 for 7 (Butt 74, Baidwan 3-15, Bhatti 3-23) beat Canada 102 for 9 (Cheema 35, Shoaib 2-11) by 35 runs.