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Down the World Cup lane: Pakistan’s journey through the years - Part III

A look at Pakistan cricket team's performance in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup

By Maria Shamim

May 30, 2019

Continued from 'Down the World Cup lane: Pakistan’s journey through the years - Part II'

With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 just around the corner, here's a throwback to Pakistan team's journey in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup.

2007

After a dismal stint in the 2003 World Cup, the 2007 World Cup, hosted by the West Indies, turned out to be no different for Pakistan, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, who were again eliminated at the group stage following a shocking defeat to minnows Ireland.

The competition was also thrust into the centre of a murder investigation when Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room in Jamaica, hours after Pakistan were beaten by Ireland in one of the most stunning upsets in World Cup history.

The 58-year-old was pronounced dead soon after he was rushed to Kingston hospital on the morning of Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa qualified for the semifinals. Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in the first semifinal, while Australia thrashed South Africa in the second semifinal.

A picture of late Pakistani cricket team coach Bob Woolmer is displayed on a big screen as Pakistani cricketers observe a minute of silence in remembrance of Woolmer before the Group D match of the ICC World Cup Cricket 2007 between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, 21 March 2007. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD

Pakistani cricketers get in the ground to pay their tribute to team coach Bob Woolmer before the Group D match of the ICC World Cup Cricket 2007 between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, 21 March 2007. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD — A picture of late Pakistani cricket team coach Bob Woolmer is displayed on a big screen as Pakistani cricketers observe a minute of silence in remembrance of Woolmer before the Group D match of the ICC World Cup Cricket 2007 between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground in Kingston, 21 March 2007. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs (D/L) in a final marred by bad light, extending their undefeated run in the World Cup to 29 matches.

2011

The ICC World Cup 2011 was played in India, Sri Lanka, and for the first time, Bangladesh, after Pakistan was stripped of hosting rights following the attack on Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009.

Pakistan, captained by Shahid Afridi, had a brilliant run in the tournament all the way up to the semifinals, where a heartbreaking loss to India snatched away what looked like a certain berth in the final. Pakistan won five of their six group games, beating major teams including Sri Lanka and Australia. The Green Shirts went on to defeat West Indies in the quarterfinal.

In the semis, Pakistan bowlers managed to restrict India to 260-9 but were all out at 231 in the chase. Wahab Riaz starred with a five-wicket haul. Misbah-ul-Haq was the highest scorer for Pakistan with 56 runs.

Pakistani cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of the West Indies batsman Devendra Bishoo during the Cricket World Cup quarter-final against the Pakistan at The Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on March 23, 2011. AFP PHOTO/Munir uz ZAMAN

Pakistan cricketer Asad Shafiq (L) and Abdul Razzaq (R) greet bowler Mohammad Hafeez (C) after the dismissal of West Indies batsman Darren Bravo during the Cricket World Cup quarter-final against at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on March 23, 2011. AFP PHOTO/Deshakalyan CHOWDHURY — Pakistani cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of the West Indies batsman Devendra Bishoo during the Cricket World Cup quarter-final against the Pakistan at The Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on March 23, 2011. AFP PHOTO/Munir uz ZAMAN

India won the tournament, beating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final at a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, becoming the first country to win the Cricket World Cup final on home soil.

2015

The 2015 World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, saw Pakistan off to a disappointing start with consecutive defeats against India and West Indies. The Green Shirts however bounced back and won their next matches against Zimbabwe, UAE, South Africa (D/L) and Ireland, qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Pakistan's campaign ended with a defeat against Australia in the quarterfinal. New Zealand beat South Africa in the semifinal to qualify for their maiden World Cup final, while Australia thrashed India in the other semifinal.