Pakistan vs. West Indies First quarter-final: Shahid Afridi, Ajmal thrash the Caribbeans
The West Indies were struggling against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 after 20 overs with only 47 runs on the board and having lost most of their top order. The Pakistani bowlers were playing out of their skin and made life more than just a little difficult for the West Indies side.
Pakistani Captain Shahid Afridi introduced himself and Saeed Ajmal into the bowling attack as he looked to pile on the pressure against the West Indies. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 was the first of the two to make the breakthrough in the 25th over as Ramnaresh Sarwan departed for 24 runs off an incredible 68 balls. His strike rate of 35.29 runs a clear indicator of the batsman’s struggle.
Kieron Pollard was the Pakistani captain’s next victim as he lost his wicket after scoring only a single run. The entire Pakistani nation breathed a simultaneous sigh of relief as the wicket keeper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kamran-Akmal-c70122 held on to the catch and the ferocious appeal that followed gave the umpire no doubt.
Afridi did not rest on his laurels as he sent Devon Thomas back to join his teammates in the pavilion in the next ball. Thomas was trapped by another superb delivery as his stay at the crease was not a memorable one.
The Pakistani captain was on his Hat-trick as he became the first bowler in this edition of the competition to reach 20 wickets. Ajmal seemed to take inspiration from his captain and bowling partner, as he dismissed another two http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 batsmen in his fourth over.
Darren Sammy the West Indies Captain was the first to lose his wicket to Ajmal after another leg before decision sent the batsman on his way. The West Indies side knew they were in deep trouble at 71 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Saeed-Ajmal-c87859 however did not show any signs of sympathy as he claimed his second wicket Devendra Bishoo. Ajmal was turning the ball for fun and bamboozled Bishoo as the ball found its way to the stumps and the bails were sent flying.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Abdur-Razzaq-c41689 struck for his first wicket.
Roach departed for a valiant 16 runs before Shahid Afridi had Rampaul bowled for naught as the West Indies nightmare came to a close.
Pakistan now needs a 112 runs in 50 overs after a superb bowling performance lead by their inspirational captain’s four wicket haul.
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