England replace Pakistan in Double Wicket semi-final

The Pakistan team have decided to withdraw from taking part in the second semi final of the Double Wicket World Championship, due to the severity of the injury to Shahid Afridi. Yesterday, the Pakistanis forfeited their third round match with the West Indies, having already qualified for the semi finals after Afridi pulled up and further aggravated an injury he was carrying from the previous day.

With Pakistan withdrawing from the semi finals, the organizers have "promoted" England to meet previously unbeaten New Zealand in the second semi finals.

Yesterday, Pakistan conceded victory to the West Indies after 3.5 overs, and the Pakistanis were in an overall position of -23 runs, having suffered nine dismissals in the process. Batting for Pakistan Afridi was on -15, Wasim Akram on -8, with 0 extras. Bowling for the West Indies Carl Hooper had figures 4 for 16, and Chris Gayle 2 for 12.