West Indies on brink of victory….West Indies won by 54 runs…Yes. West Indies storm to opening victory
The West Indies beat Pakistan by 54 runs in the opening match of the 2007 World Cup in Jamaica on Tuesday. Dwayne Smith (3-36 and 32 runs) was named the man of the match.
Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq won the first toss of World Cup 2007 – and promptly handed the gun over to Brian Lara and went here, you shoot first.
Inzy reckoned there was some early life, thanks to the 9.30 am start, that his bowlers could exploit.
The Sabina Park wicket rolled out hard and true, with pace and bounce and good lateral movement that should last the distance – which, to my mind, means there is no distinct advantage to bowling first.
On the contrary, an insertion carries with it risk: if the batting side posts a decent total, Pakistan comes under pressure on the chase, in a must-win game.
| ICC World Cup – 1st Match, Group D West Indies v Pakistan |
| Played at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, on 13 March 2007 (50-over match) Result West Indies won by 54 runs      Toss Pakistan, who chose to field first  West Indies innings (50 overs maximum) Total (9 wickets; 50 overs) 241 Pakistan innings (target: 242 runs from 50 overs) Total (all out; 47.2 overs) 187 |  |
Dwayne Bravo celebrates his catch to remove Kamran Akmal, West Indies v Pakistan, Group D, Kingston, 2007 World Cup, March 13, 2007
