Razzaq's big-hitting had the crowd ducking and diving

A new-look Pakistan, captained by Rashid Latif, made a winning start to the Sharjah Cup with a 68-run victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday.

Younis Khan and Abdul Razzaq hit half centuries as Pakistan piled up 278-7 from 50 overs after electing to take first strike on the slow wicket at the Sharjah cricket stadium.

Debutants Umar Gul and Mohammad Hafeez then joined Razzaq and Danish Kaneria with identical two-wicket hauls to bowl out Zimbabwe for 210 in the 45th over.

Douglas Marillier top-scored with 59 but found little support at the other end as Pakistan earned an extra bonus point.

World Cup semi-finalists Sri Lanka and Kenya are the other two teams in the fray in the eight-day tournament, the first international event since cricket's four-yearly showpiece ended in South Africa on 23 March.

HAVE YOUR SAY Looking at the way they played today, I am sure the new Pakistani team will make it to finals From Syed Saab, USA Join the debate

Pakistan were without eight senior players, including veterans Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul Haq and Waqar Younis, who were sacked following the humiliating first round exit at the World Cup.

Their first outing with the experimental side began disastrously as Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak removed openers Taufiq Umer and Hafeez in his first spell.

Our bowlers did bowl not in the right areas and conceded too many wides Zimbabwe coach Geoff Marsh More reaction

But Younis hit 67 and Razzaq a belligerent unbeaten 76 off 53 balls to help their side recover from a shaky 69 for four in the 19th over.

Razzaq smashed seven sixes and two boundaries as Pakistan hammered 96 runs in the last 10 overs.

Latif himself chipped in with 34 during a sixth-wicket stand of 58 with Younis, who was left to to steer his side out of trouble and set the stage for Razzaq's onslaught.

Pakistan: Rashid Latif (captain), Taufeeq Umar, Mohammed Hafeez, Naveed Latif, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Sami, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria.

Zimbabwe: Heath Streak (captain), Craig Wishart, Douglas Marillier, Travis Friend, Grant Flower, Dion Ebrahim, Gavin Rennie, Tatenda Taibu, Sean Ervine, Andy Blignaut, Douglas Hondo.