SOUTHAMPTON, 23 September 2004 — Inzamam-ul-Haq gambled and lost as West Indies thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets yesterday to book their place in the Champions Trophy final.

Strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar tried to salvage something with two wickets within seven balls of a furious opening spell and a brute of a lifter in his second, which felled Brian Lara and forced him from the field.

But Pakistan, routed for 131 in 38.2 overs, were always struggling after their skipper Inzamam surprisingly opted to bat first in conditions favoring seam and swing.

West Indies, who take on England at The Oval on Saturday in the climax of the 12-team event, also had to work hard on the Rose Bowl surface but cruised home with 21.5 overs left.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the man of the match, top-scored with 56 not out. Replacing Lara at the post-match awards ceremony, he said: “Brian is resting in the dressing room but don’t worry, he’s going to be fine (for the final).

“We were very surprised when they chose to bat. We took a chance,” Inzamam said of the decision. “200 would have been a difficult total to chase but West Indies bowled really well.”

Lara’s side, on 76 for two in reply, looked well on their way to victory when Inzamam recalled Akhtar, who had produced several 150 kph deliveries in his opening salvo.

Lara appeared to lose sight of Akhtar’s second delivery, turned away and was struck on the side of the neck. Akhtar rushed up to try and help but Lara, who had made 31, remained on the ground for several minutes before being led off the pitch.

That incident was the one moment of true drama after Pakistan’s batsmen failed to make a match of it.

Pace bowler Dwayne Bravo, with two wickets and two run-outs, and occasional medium-pacer Wavell Hinds, with two wickets in four balls, instigated the collapse as the last seven batsmen fell for 31.

Pakistan never fully recovered after opener Salman Butt, on his One-Day International debut, fell for a second-ball duck. Neither West Indies nor England have ever reached the final of the Champions Trophy, the largest One-Day tournament outside the World Cup.

Lara was cleared of serious injury later. An ICC statement said Lara will remain under observation but is expected to lead West Indies against hosts England in the final.

The ICC quoted West Indies physiotherapist Andrew Simpson saying Lara suffered a short spell of dizziness and a slight headache after leaving The Rose Bowl in Southampton but had been cleared of serious injury by the ground medical doctor.

Injured Ponting to Miss

First India Test

Meanwhile, Australia captain Ricky Ponting will miss at least the first Test against India after fracturing his left thumb in the Champions Trophy, Cricket Australia (CA) announced yesterday.

Ponting was injured while fielding in the slips during Tuesday’s semifinal defeat against England at Edgbaston. CA media manager Jonathan Rose said Ponting would return home immediately to have the injury assessed.

The first Test in the scheduled four-match series begins in Bangalore on Oct. 6. “I desperately want to be on the plane to India and if everything goes according to plan I will still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope rather than later,” Ponting said in a statement.

Ponting, who went for a scan after complaining that he was in pain on Tuesday night, added: “I’m disappointed but I have great faith in all of my team to do the job in my absence.”

Australia, the world’s leading side, are determined to win in India after losing 2-1 on their last visit in 2000/1 under Steve Waugh. They have not won a series there since 1969/70.

Australia have yet to name a replacement for Ponting or announce who will captain the team in his absence.