Inzamam-Ul-Haq in 2006 courtesy of Peter Meade
In the wake of an emotional and gloomy week, Pakistan cricket had something to finally smile about as the team registered its sole victory at Cricket World Cup 2007. The thumping 93 run win over Zimbabwe sent beleaguered captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq out of ODI cricket in style.
Pakistan blasted its way to 349 with opener Imran Nazir smashing a career best 160 from 121 balls. Nazir's knock also included 8 sixes, tying Ricky Ponting's World Cup record set in the 2003 final against India. After a rain interruption, Zimbabwe's revised target of 192 was never within reach, as they eventually succumbed for 99 with Inzamam fittingly taking the final catch.
With the death of Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer on Sunday, resignation of the Pakistan selection committee today, and Inzamam stepping down as captain and away from ODIs, the result of the game was incidental for all intents and purposes. Having been dismissed for 37, Zimbabwean players rushed to shake Inzamam's hand as he left the field for the final time in ODIs. In tears, Pakistan's captain was met with a guard of honour as he walked off the field.
In today's other match, Sri Lanka cemented its claim as one of the tournament favourites with a resounding 198 run victory over Bangladesh. Batting first, Sri Lanka totalled 318 with former captain Sanath Jayasuriya scoring 109. Bangladesh never threatened victory as they lost wickets early and often, falling to 41/5 in the 17th over. Malinga was the top wicket taker with figures of 3/27 from 6 overs. Vaas, Malinga and Muralitharan will prove to be a tough challenge for batsmen throughout this tournament.
Pakistan heads home after a disappointing and troubled World Cup, and Zimbabwe will do the same. Bangladesh will hope to defeat Bermuda by a large margin in an effort to boost its run differencial. The big game remaining in the Group stage takes place on Friday, as India seeks to book a place in the Super Eights with a victory over the very confident Sri Lankan side. The 'Group of Death' is certainly living up to its billing.
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