Rare Victory Boosts Pakistan's Chance by Arshad Chughtai

---

Event:

ICC World Cup 2010/11

---

DateLine: 23rd March 2011

 

At long last the Australians were beaten in a World Cup match though it took Pakistan nearly 12 years to repeat the feat. The last occasion when Australia had lost a World Cup match was also against Pakistan at Headingly Leeds in 1999 and ever since maintained an unbeaten streak of 34 matches. This unbeaten record was ultimately interrupted when Pakistan convincingly defeated the defending champions by 4 Wickets at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on March the 19th.

 

It bore testimony to the fact that despite Pakistan's continued decline since 1999 World Cup the team which had always posed terror and threat to the invincible Aussies was none other than Pakistan. Pakistan team gracefully rose to the occasion and proved themselves to be worthy winners of the contest. Australians were completely outclassed and in fact baffled by the Pakistan bowlers to be dismissed for 176 in 46.4 overs. Later, despite some tremendous hostile bowling by Brett Lee (4-28) Pakistan were not perturbed further and the target was smoothly achieved with 9 overs to spare.

 

It was a splendid and superb victory. Cheerfully Pakistan is back in the business and a leading contender for the current World Cup. No wonder it should also go as a loud and clear message to the international community that Pakistan cricket has a great future ahead. Hopefully their moment of difficulties was just temporary. Cricket is life and blood to the cricket passionate nation. Soon I wish that Pakistan grounds stage international cricket again to revive the privilege of hungry fans. ICC should now step in the direction.

 

Commenting on Pakistan's prospects in their quarter final match against the West Indies scheduled on 23rd March at Mirpur (Dhaka), apparently it looks like to be relatively an easier encounter in view of current low ranking and mediocre performance of the opponents in the preliminary round. Yet nothing should be taken as granted and there is no room for complacency. Despite limitations West Indies is in a continuous rebuilding process to form a strong and formidable composition what should revive their lost reputation and strength. Obviously Pakistan thus need to play with caution, resolve, discipline, determination and astute strategy to ensure a win.

 

Not withstanding Pakistan's better prospects and supporters high expectations their past track record in the previous World Cup matches against the West Indies has not been much favorable, rather, to be honest, is pretty dismal. In 8 World Cup matches played between the two teams from 1975 to 2007 West Indies were overwhelmingly dominant with 6 victories against 2 by the Pakistanis. But this time around Pakistan has a good chance to make amends and improve upon their record. Let us hope that the team maintains the rhythm and spirit and once again rise to the occasion with a success.

 

Presented below are results of Pakistan V/S West Indies pervious World Cup Matches:

World Cup	Venue & Date	Result
1975	Birmingham-June7	West Indies won by one wicket
1979 (Semi Final)	The Oval-June 20	West Indies won by 43 runs
1983 (Semi Final)	The Oval-June 23	West Indies won by 8 wickets
1987	Lahore-October 16 Karachi-October 30	Pakistan Won by one wicket West Indies won by 28 runs
1992	Melbourne- February 23	West Indies won by 10 Wickets
1999	Bristol -May 16	Pakistan Won by 20 runs
2007	Kingston - March 13	West Indies won by 54 runs

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2011 smyaserrafique@yahoo.com)