The West Indies beat Pakistan by 54 runs in the opening match of the 2007 World Cup in Jamaica on Tuesday. Dwayne Smith (3-36 and 32 runs) was named the man of the match.

Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq won the first toss of World Cup 2007 - and promptly handed the gun over to Brian Lara and went here, you shoot first.

Inzy reckoned there was some early life, thanks to the 9.30 am start, that his bowlers could exploit.

The Sabina Park wicket rolled out hard and true, with pace and bounce and good lateral movement that should last the distance - which, to my mind, means there is no distinct advantage to bowling first.

On the contrary, an insertion carries with it risk: if the batting side posts a decent total, Pakistan comes under pressure on the chase, in a must-win game.