Rain seals Pak's fate, helps Zim through to Super Six
Tuesday, March 4 2003 18:43 Hrs (IST)

Bulawayo: Zimbabwe qualified for the Super Sixes of the World Cup after its match against Pakistan was rained off on Tuesday, knocking England out of the tournament.

Pakistan was 73 for three in 14 overs after electing to take first strike when rain hit the Queens Sports Club and forced play to be halted three times before play was called off for the day.

The two points earned from the match took Zimbabwe's tally to 14, two more than England, and lifted the co-hosts to the next round from Group ‘A' behind Australia and India.

Zimbabwe had the last laugh over England after Nasser Hussain's men boycotted their game in Harare on February 13 due to security and moral concerns.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will return home with just 10 points, its worst World Cup display ever after winning the title in 1992 and finishing runners-up to Australia four years ago in England.

Pakistan, which needed a big win to sneak through on run-rate, found the weather as much of a problem as its poor form. Premier batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq's miserable tournament continued when he was caught by Guy Whittall at deep mid-wicket off Sean Ervine for three.

Inzamam finished the tournament with just 19 runs from six innings. When play started 75 minutes late, Saleem Elahi was trapped leg before to Douglas Hondo to make it 4 for one.

Yousuf Youhana made it 55 for two when he was caught behind by Tatenda Taibu off Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak. When play was called off, Saeed Anwar was unbeaten on 40 and Younis Khan was on zero.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Rain plays hide & seek; England faces WC elimination