Reuters Australian captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat as Pakistan left out express paceman Shoaib Akhtar in the World Cup Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has lauded ... t care about his batting," Akhtar said. The former fast bowler acknowledged Shadab’s contributions with the bat, especially under pressure ...

Shoaib Akhtar ... Sri Lanka March 2003 Akhtar bowled at 100mph in Pakistan's match against England at Cape Town, becoming the first bowler in the history of the game to break the 100mph barrier.

Virender Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar, two flamboyant figures from the golden era of Indian and Pakistani cricket, were known for their on-field battles. Post-retirement, it appears that old rivalries ...

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his thoughts on the absence ... Coming to the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. Kiwis got off to a fine start with a 57-run ...