Inzamam bids tearful farewell by AFP

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Scorecard:	Pakistan v Zimbabwe
Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 21st March 2007

 

Inzamam-ul-Haq broke down in tears after he was dismissed for 37 in the World Cup match against Zimbabwe here on Wednesday, his last appearance as national team captain.

 

Inzamam, who is playing in his final one-day international, sobbed as he made his way off the Sabina Park pitch.

 

He was congratulated by the entire Zimbabwe team who all rushed over to shake his hand while his own teammates formed a guard of honour to see him back into the pavilion.

 

The 37-year-old Inzamam raised his bat to the sparse crowd, removed his cap and tearfully acknowledged the warm applause after he was caught at long-on by Sean Williams off seamer Tawanda Mupariwa in the 28th over of the Group D match.

 

Inzamam had been attempting to launch another huge six having already smashed three over the ropes.

 

He finishes his 378-match one-day career with 11,739 runs to his name, 10 centuries and 83 fifties, at an average of almost 40 runs a game.

 

Pakistan, who can't qualify for the next round after losing both their opening games, have endured a tragedy-hit World Cup with the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

 

Police in Jamaica have confirmed that the death of the 58-year-old is being treated as suspicious.

 

"We will try to play to a high level, win the game and honour Bob," said Inzamam at the start of the game.

 

"We have a good team but we have not been able to qualify for the next round."

 

Zimbabwe batsman Stuart Matsikenyeri said that all teams at the tournament were struggling to come to terms with the announcement of the criminal investigation into Woolmer's death.

 

"It's a very sad day. Bob Woolmer had a huge influence on world cricket. But we have something to aim for and that is what we'll be doing. We will play as hard as we can."

 

Inside an eerily empty stadium, fans showed off posters dedicated to Woolmer.

 

'Bob, rest in peace' said one; 'Do it for Bob' pleaded another.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)