Pakistan is hopeful paceman Shoaib Akhtar will play in the remaining two matches of the one-day cricket series against Australia.

The home side thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets last night under the Colonial Stadium roof. Shoaib missed the match with a minor leg injury.

Captain Waqar Younis says Shoaib suffered the injury at training yesterday morning and the tourists decided against risking him in the first game.

Australian openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden smacked 101 runs in less than 16 overs to ensure the win.

Australia scored three for 177 in just 32.5 overs after restricting Pakistan for eight for 176 from 50 overs.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.