Windies arrive in Christchurch for Pakistan clash

Christchurch, Feb 18 (IANS) The West Indies, seeking to regroup following their opening round thrashing at the hands of minnows Ireland, arrived here for their second round clash against Pakistan in the cricket World Cup.

Jason Holder’s side, jolted by an excruciating four-wicket loss to Ireland at Nelson, will be seeking to revive their campaign when they take on Pakistan, reports CMC.

The West Indies have been criticised in many quarters for Monday’s defeat and must now win matches to keep alive their chances of securing a quarter-final place. The Caribbean team collapsed to 87/5 before Lendl Simmons (102) and Darren Sammy (89) guided them to a total of 304/7 against Ireland.

“The West Indies, I do not understand how they could ever think that just over 300 runs, that they would just automatically win. They cannot take things for granted. You should be able to think for yourself that okay we got a reasonable score but we still have a fight on our hands and still have to go out there and perform,” insisted former fast bowler Michael Holding, a member of the West Indies side that won the 1979 World Cup.

The West Indies will be resting Wednesday and will resume training Thursday at the Hagley Oval here. They will also train Friday ahead of the crucial clash against Pakistan, who lost to India by 76 runs in their opening encounter at the Adelaide Oval.