Pakistan become first team to enter semi-finals beating West Indies by 10 wikcets

DHAKA – Pakistan sailed through to semi-finals by crushing West Indies by 10 wickets at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka. 

Pakistan never looses control over the match first with the ball and then with the bat. Muhammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal provided the winning partnership of 113 runs, the best for Pakistan in this world cup. They took only 20.4 overs to achieve the meagre target of 113 runs.   

Earlier West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first; but they never recovered from early set back of Chris Gayle (8) fell to brilliant bowling of Umar Gul and a stunning catch by Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi.

All the bowlers get their share of wickets except Wahab Riaz. Shahid Afridi, who is the most wicket-taking bowler in World cup, claimed four wickets, including important wicket of Sarwan (25). Muhammad Hafeez and saeed Ajmal picked up two wickets each; while Abdul Razzaq and Umar Gul notched one wicket each.

Muhammad Hafeez was named man of the match for his brilliant all-round performance.   

Now tomorrow’s second quarterfinal between India and Australia will be played at Ahmedabad and the winner will face Pakistan in the second semi-final at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali (Chandigarh) on March 30.