The world of cricket was bleeding excitement as the knockout stage of the world cup '11 was on its way in Mirpur. Predictions were floating around in every corner of the cricketing world and a pre-analysis was attached to every word that was spoken around oneself. All knew Pakistan were the favourites. Yet, an outside chance was given to the West Indies just to satisfy the demands of the cricket fan who always asks for hard-fought matches.
The match began and the match ended. Pakistan walked, or rather ran, over the West Indies. No fight. No doubts. No twists. West Indies shamefully crumbled for 112. There was no highlight of this performance. Gayle fell as irresponsibly as he usually does. Sarwan spent some time on the wicket like a tourist, watched the ball, stayed around for a while, and then ended an aweful innings of 24 runs of 68 deliveries. Shivnarain Chanderpaul top scored with a solo, random, and pointless 44 not out of 106 balls. Afridi grabbed another four-for and continued to enjoy being the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Pakistan came out to bat and looked in tremendous hurry. They reached the target in 20.5 overs with all their wickets in tact as Kamran Akmal scored 47 not out and Mohammad Hafeez scored an unbeaten 68 to be the man of the match award. This was supposed to be a grand event. The first quarter-final. But it turned out to be the worst match of the tournament. Yes, Pakistan were always the favourites but the West Indies could have at least put up a fight. I know they are talentless. They know they are talentless. But they could have at least risen up to the occasion. Yes, collapses happen. Yes, at times, you are outplayed. But the West Indies are such a careless team that they just don't seem to be wanting to win. They lack killer instincts. They lack the basic will to win a match. They look like they just don't care. There is a thin line between aggression and a boorish irresponsible performance and each of the West Indians - Chris Gayle leading in this regard - has crossed that line. If I were a selector I'd never - NEVER, in my life - tolerate such careless attitude. I mean, you are playing the world cup, darn it!
I think Ireland could have been a much better candidate for the quarters. Not that they would have beaten Pakistan at all but they have put up some strong fights against major teams in this tournament, and could have done that again. They are a team that can do anything to win - they field brilliantly, are maturing into a talented side, and most importantly - in stark contrast to the West Indies - play with all their heart. The West Indies are the worst and the most disappointing team of the tournament to me. Yes, they were the kings back in the day and no questions whatsoever about the deserving dominance of the Clive Lloyd era, but in the last two decades, particularly in the last decade, they have been a team on the decline and with this attitude, I won't be surprised if their test status is snatched away in the near future. As far as Pakistan are concerned, they have been a surprise package this world cup, and after tasting something sweeter than a piece of cake in the quarter-finals, they will be waiting to meet either Australia or India - whoever wins today - for some spicy food in the semi-finals.
Man of the Match: Mohammad Hafeez
The match began and the match ended. Pakistan walked, or rather ran, over the West Indies. No fight. No doubts. No twists. West Indies shamefully crumbled for 112. There was no highlight of this performance. Gayle fell as irresponsibly as he usually does. Sarwan spent some time on the wicket like a tourist, watched the ball, stayed around for a while, and then ended an aweful innings of 24 runs of 68 deliveries. Shivnarain Chanderpaul top scored with a solo, random, and pointless 44 not out of 106 balls. Afridi grabbed another four-for and continued to enjoy being the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Pakistan came out to bat and looked in tremendous hurry. They reached the target in 20.5 overs with all their wickets in tact as Kamran Akmal scored 47 not out and Mohammad Hafeez scored an unbeaten 68 to be the man of the match award. This was supposed to be a grand event. The first quarter-final. But it turned out to be the worst match of the tournament. Yes, Pakistan were always the favourites but the West Indies could have at least put up a fight. I know they are talentless. They know they are talentless. But they could have at least risen up to the occasion. Yes, collapses happen. Yes, at times, you are outplayed. But the West Indies are such a careless team that they just don't seem to be wanting to win. They lack killer instincts. They lack the basic will to win a match. They look like they just don't care. There is a thin line between aggression and a boorish irresponsible performance and each of the West Indians - Chris Gayle leading in this regard - has crossed that line. If I were a selector I'd never - NEVER, in my life - tolerate such careless attitude. I mean, you are playing the world cup, darn it!
I think Ireland could have been a much better candidate for the quarters. Not that they would have beaten Pakistan at all but they have put up some strong fights against major teams in this tournament, and could have done that again. They are a team that can do anything to win - they field brilliantly, are maturing into a talented side, and most importantly - in stark contrast to the West Indies - play with all their heart. The West Indies are the worst and the most disappointing team of the tournament to me. Yes, they were the kings back in the day and no questions whatsoever about the deserving dominance of the Clive Lloyd era, but in the last two decades, particularly in the last decade, they have been a team on the decline and with this attitude, I won't be surprised if their test status is snatched away in the near future. As far as Pakistan are concerned, they have been a surprise package this world cup, and after tasting something sweeter than a piece of cake in the quarter-finals, they will be waiting to meet either Australia or India - whoever wins today - for some spicy food in the semi-finals.
Man of the Match: Mohammad Hafeez
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