Cable & Wireless Series, 1999-2000

Pakistan won the Caribbean's first triangular tournament, defeating the home team 2-1 in the finals after West Indies had cruised through the qualifiers with a 100 per cent record. The third side, Zimbabwe, their confidence undermined after losing the Test series, were beaten in all four group matches, a disappointing end to a tour that had promised much. Inzamam-ul-Haq was one of the main architects of Pakistan's performance. He was named Man of the Series for his 295 runs at 59.00, in a competition where the bowlers dominated and there was only one total over 250. Mushtaq Ahmed, recalled and seemingly refreshed after missing Pakistan's home series against Sri Lanka and a recent tournament in Sharjah, confused all batsmen with his leg-breaks and googlies, conceded just over three runs an over and produced a telling four-wicket haul in the decisive final.

West Indies carried into the tournament the self-assurance born of their Test series victory over Zimbabwe, and started off with four comprehensive wins. Sherwin Campbell, who scored 316 in all, and Wavell Hinds notched maiden centuries in the one-day game. The bowlers, even without Courtney Walsh, resting after the euphoria of his record 435th Test wicket in preparation for the series against Pakistan, were consistently impressive: Reon King claimed 17 wickets at 11.52. Captain Jimmy Adams and 20-year-old Chris Gayle advertised their all-round worth.

But their batting faltered when it really mattered, in the face of Pakistan's versatile, high-quality attack. West Indies failed to reach 198 on a good Kensington Oval pitch in the opening final and, with the trophy on the line, collapsed for 114 in the decider. It was only the second time West Indies had lost a series of home one-day internationals. Allan Border's Australians won 4-1 in 1990-91, though Sri Lanka also won a one-off match five years later.

Match reports for

1st Match: West Indies v Zimbabwe at Kingston, Apr 1, 2000
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2nd Match: West Indies v Zimbabwe at Kingston, Apr 2, 2000
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3rd Match: Pakistan v Zimbabwe at St John's, Apr 5, 2000
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4th Match: West Indies v Pakistan at Kingstown, Apr 12, 2000
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5th Match: Pakistan v Zimbabwe at St George's, Apr 15, 2000
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6th Match: West Indies v Pakistan at St George's, Apr 16, 2000
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1st Final: West Indies v Pakistan at Bridgetown, Apr 19, 2000
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2nd Final: West Indies v Pakistan at Port of Spain, Apr 22, 2000
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3rd Final: West Indies v Pakistan at Port of Spain, Apr 23, 2000
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