Pakistan became the first team to enter the semi-finals after they defeated the West Indies by ten wickets at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Pakistan will now meet the winners of the match between India and Australia on March 30.
West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. Umar Gul struck for Pakistan in the third over as he removed the dangerous Chris Gayle (8) while Hafeez picked up Devon Smith (7) and Darren Bravo (0) in one over to reduce the West Indies to 16/3.
West Indies never recovered from these early blows and crumbled under pressure, losing wickets in a hurry. Ramnaresh Sarwan made 24 runs from 68 balls and added 42 runs for the fourth wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Chanderpaul remained unbeaten on 44 runs that came from 106 balls and included a solitary six as the other batsmen succumbed to the Pakistani spinners. Chanderpaul’s 40-run partnership with Kemar Roach (16) helped the Windies cross the 100-run mark. For Pakistan, Shahid Afridi picked up 4/30 while Hafeez (2/16) and Saeed Ajmal (2/18) picked up two wickets each.
Chasing a modest 113 runs, the Pakistan openers found ample time to get some runs under their belt ahead of the crucial semi-finals. Hafeez shone with the bat as well and crafted an unbeaten 61 runs from 64 balls with 10 fours while Kamran Akmal hit a 61-ball 47 runs that included seven fours.
The duo added 113-runs for the opening wicket, Pakistan’s best in the ongoing tournament and erased any chances of a batting collapse that is typical of Pakistan chasing smaller totals. This is the first time that Pakistan have won by ten wickets in a World Cup game and also the sixth time they have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Mohammed Hafeez was declared the man of the match for his 61 not out and 2/16 from ten overs.