Pak leave Afridi waiting in the wings

Big-hitting Shahid Afridi, who set Pakistan's innings ablaze in their match against Australia, won't be moved up the batting order for Wednesday's tri-series limited overs clash with the West Indies.

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said on Monday that Pakistan would resist the temptation to use Afridi as an opener -- despite having major problems in the position -- and would continue to use him late in the innings.

"He started as an opener and I think he has played (almost 140) games in one-dayers as an opener," Inzamam said.

"But in the last couple of months he has been batting at number eight or number nine and did well ... I think that is his number."

Afridi belted 56 not out from just 26 deliveries in their four-wicket loss to Australia on Sunday even though he was only brought in at number eight with only six overs and one ball remaining.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting later admitted it was difficult to contain the 24-year-old unless the bowling was spot on.

Afridi's knock, which included four sixes, was the first time he had passed 50 against Australia, although it was not the fastest innings in his 192-match career.

He struck a century from 37 balls deliveries in his second one-day international as a 16-year-old, as well as another 18-ball fifty.

Despite their reluctance to promote Afridi, Pakistan will consider moving senior batsmen Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana up a rung for the match against the West Indies after they batted at number five and six respectively on Sunday.