BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FOR the first time since 1999, Pakistan has advanced to the ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Finals, thanks to the West Indies which slumbered to a 10-wicket defeat in their Quarter Finals matchup today (Mar. 23).
Pakistan’s assault was spearheaded by captain Shahid Afridi on the flat-footed Windies batsmen, who were dismantled for 112 in 43.3 overs; a target that was easily surpassed by Pakistan with some 29 overs to spare.
The emphatic victory for the Pakistanis could now lead to a thrilling Semi-Final showdown against archrivals India on March 30, if the co-hosts should be successful against Australia in Ahmedabad tomorrow.
Pakistan, which won the World Cup in 1992 under Imran Khan, had last reached the Semi-Finals stage of a World Cup when they finished as runners-up to Australia in England in 1999.
It has been a remarkable comeback for a team that was knocked out in the first round of the previous World Cup held four years ago in the Caribbean.
The same cannot be said for the West Indies team that collapsed in dazzling fashion after captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to take first strike.
Veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, brought back after being left out of the previous match against India, was the only batsman to defy the spinners with a grim unbeaten 44 off 106 balls.
The West Indies were reduced to 71-8 before a 40-run stand between Kemar Roach and Chanderpaul, which helped the former champions surpass their lowest World Cup total of 93 against Kenya in Pune in 1996.
The West Indies never recovered from the disastrous start after losing Chris Gayle, Devon Smith and Darren Bravo by the sixth over.
West Indies last held the prestigious Cup in 1979 when they defeated England by 92 runs.
