QF1 news

Pakistan steamroll into World Cup semis

Skipper Shahid Afridi led from the front as formidable Pakistan crushed the West Indies by 10 wickets to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1999 on Wednesday.

Afridi's Army marches into semis

By Jamie Alter

Today, a Pakistan attack led by the craftiest spinner and arguably the most complete fast bowler in the one-day format, and wonderfully supported by two street-smart off-spinners set up a crushing win that catapulted their side into the World Cup semi-finals. Arjuna Ranatunga, who marshalled an attack that mirrored Pakistan s for years, would have been proud of his effort.

Pakistan on a Caribbean cruise

By Suneer Chowdhary

Pakistan became the first team in this year s edition of the World Cup to enter the semi-final and West Indies were whipped out in a hurry. Once the Pakistani spinners had made a mockery of the West Indian batting by bowling them out for 112, it was a matter of time before Pakistan romped home to a win.

Miserable West Indies fold for 112

By Suneer Chowdhary

Pakistan did to West Indies, what the Caribbean side had done to Bangladesh in their previous league game at the same ground in Mirpur. In a game as crucial as the quarter-final of a World Cup, where the captain from Caribbean had exulted on winning the toss, that was the only piece of good that happened to the West Indian side.

West Indies win toss, elect to bat against Pakistan

West Indies captain Darren Sammy won the toss and chose to bat against Pakistan in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Shere-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Afridi ready to star with his bat

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who has starred with the ball but failed miserably with the bat at the World Cup, vowed to make amends in the quarter-final against the West Indies on Wednesday.

Shahid Afridi 'not thinking of India yet'

By Kuldip Lal

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is not concerned about a possible World Cup semi-final showdown against India, saying his immediate focus was on beating the West Indies. Pakistan start firm favourites in Wednesday's quarter-final against Darren Sammy's men at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium after topping Group A with five wins in six matches.

Ponting in survival battle, Windies face Pakistan

By Dave James

Under-fire Ricky Ponting was fighting for his future as Australia skipper on Tuesday, just two days before his defending champions tackle India in a heavyweight World Cup quarter-final clash. The 36-year-old, who took over as one-day captain in 2002 before assuming control of the Test team from Steve Waugh in 2004, may be elieved of his duties for next month's tour of Bangladesh, according to a senior official.

Quarter-final Preview: Pakistan favourites against West Indies

By Suneer Chowdhary

A day before the quarter-finals that Pakistan play against West Indies, the pressure is more on the Asian side solely because they have not only topped the group but have also been one of the better sides in the competitions. A loss for Pakistan could assume fiasco-like if not catastrophic proportions.

Quarter-final Preview: Pakistan have an upper hand over West Indies

By Jamie Alter

The formalities are over. The Associates are gone. There is no room for favours. The real tournament starts tomorrow, in Mirpur, with Pakistan facing West Indies. It has been argued that West Indies have the mental strength of jelly, and thus, against a Pakistan team prone to combustion under pressure, we have a potentially crackling contest on the cards.

Gayle, Roach declared fit for Pakistan clash

By Kuldip Lal

Struggling West Indies will be boosted by the return of star batsman Chris Gayle and pace spearhead Kemar Roach for the World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan on Wednesday. The duo missed the last league match against India in Chennai on Sunday with Gayle resting an abdominal strain and Roach feeling unwell due to viral fever and a stomach infection.

Bangladesh assures 'state-level' security for quarter-finals

Bangladesh will ramp up security to 'state-level' for the West Indies team in an attempt to ensure their World Cup quarter-final passes off trouble-free, a senior police officer said Monday.

Windies may include Chanderpaul in playing Xl

By Julian Guyer

West Indies captain Darren Sammy fears his team's top-order collapses could scupper their World Cup hopes but hinted a recall for grizzled batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul may be the answer.

Pakistan steamroll into World Cup semis

Skipper Shahid Afridi led from the front as formidable Pakistan crushed the West Indies by 10 wickets to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1999 on Wednesday.

Afridi's Army marches into semis

By Jamie Alter

Today, a Pakistan attack led by the craftiest spinner and arguably the most complete fast bowler in the one-day format, and wonderfully supported by two street-smart off-spinners set up a crushing win that catapulted their side into the World Cup semi-finals. Arjuna Ranatunga, who marshalled an attack that mirrored Pakistan s for years, would have been proud of his effort.

Pakistan on a Caribbean cruise

By Suneer Chowdhary

Pakistan became the first team in this year s edition of the World Cup to enter the semi-final and West Indies were whipped out in a hurry. Once the Pakistani spinners had made a mockery of the West Indian batting by bowling them out for 112, it was a matter of time before Pakistan romped home to a win.

Miserable West Indies fold for 112

By Suneer Chowdhary

Pakistan did to West Indies, what the Caribbean side had done to Bangladesh in their previous league game at the same ground in Mirpur. In a game as crucial as the quarter-final of a World Cup, where the captain from Caribbean had exulted on winning the toss, that was the only piece of good that happened to the West Indian side.

West Indies win toss, elect to bat against Pakistan

West Indies captain Darren Sammy won the toss and chose to bat against Pakistan in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Shere-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Afridi ready to star with his bat

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who has starred with the ball but failed miserably with the bat at the World Cup, vowed to make amends in the quarter-final against the West Indies on Wednesday.

Shahid Afridi 'not thinking of India yet'

By Kuldip Lal

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is not concerned about a possible World Cup semi-final showdown against India, saying his immediate focus was on beating the West Indies. Pakistan start firm favourites in Wednesday's quarter-final against Darren Sammy's men at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium after topping Group A with five wins in six matches.

Ponting in survival battle, Windies face Pakistan

By Dave James

Under-fire Ricky Ponting was fighting for his future as Australia skipper on Tuesday, just two days before his defending champions tackle India in a heavyweight World Cup quarter-final clash. The 36-year-old, who took over as one-day captain in 2002 before assuming control of the Test team from Steve Waugh in 2004, may be elieved of his duties for next month's tour of Bangladesh, according to a senior official.

Quarter-final Preview: Pakistan favourites against West Indies

By Suneer Chowdhary

A day before the quarter-finals that Pakistan play against West Indies, the pressure is more on the Asian side solely because they have not only topped the group but have also been one of the better sides in the competitions. A loss for Pakistan could assume fiasco-like if not catastrophic proportions.

Quarter-final Preview: Pakistan have an upper hand over West Indies

By Jamie Alter

The formalities are over. The Associates are gone. There is no room for favours. The real tournament starts tomorrow, in Mirpur, with Pakistan facing West Indies. It has been argued that West Indies have the mental strength of jelly, and thus, against a Pakistan team prone to combustion under pressure, we have a potentially crackling contest on the cards.

Gayle, Roach declared fit for Pakistan clash

By Kuldip Lal

Struggling West Indies will be boosted by the return of star batsman Chris Gayle and pace spearhead Kemar Roach for the World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan on Wednesday. The duo missed the last league match against India in Chennai on Sunday with Gayle resting an abdominal strain and Roach feeling unwell due to viral fever and a stomach infection.

Bangladesh assures 'state-level' security for quarter-finals

Bangladesh will ramp up security to 'state-level' for the West Indies team in an attempt to ensure their World Cup quarter-final passes off trouble-free, a senior police officer said Monday.

Windies may include Chanderpaul in playing Xl

By Julian Guyer

West Indies captain Darren Sammy fears his team's top-order collapses could scupper their World Cup hopes but hinted a recall for grizzled batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul may be the answer.