Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq is full of emotion as he speaks at a press conference yesterday following his team's 93-run win over Zimbabwe. Inzamam played his final limited overs match and last as captain, and has tipped Younis Khan to take over. - Norman Grindley

By Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter

At the end of a 17-year career in one-day cricket, and despite being knocked out in the first round of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, former captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq said yesterday that Pakistan's future looks bright.

"When I took over the captaincy in 2003, they (the players) were all young boys and now they have grown up. They are good players with big names and when I am playing I feel like I am playing off them," Inzy told Star Sports last night.

Prior to that it was tears that bore witness to the fact that his one-day international career had come to an end at Sabina Park.

After a game of mere statistical importance against Zimbabwe, where Inzamam slammed 37 off a mere 32 balls in an innings where his side racked up 349 all out from 49.5 overs and later won by 93 runs, the emotions were evident.

The 'big man', crying, left the field to a standing ovation from the fans and a guard of honour from his teammates and his opponents, which served as a clear indication of the esteem with which he was held.

Of course, Zimbabwe could not chase a score like that, and when afternoon showers weren't enough to stop the game, only one result could be expected.

After the one-sided affair, with Zimbabwe falling for a paltry 99 in 19.1 overs, a press conference ensued where Inzamam made one statement that encapsulated the feeling regarding his retirement from the one-day version of the game.

"This is definitely an emotional time for me because I love this game and when you love something it is not easy to let go," he said.

"It is a very difficult decision that I am making because the last 16/17 years playing for Pakistan has been a great honour for me and I have enjoyed my cricket and it has been a great passion for me, but I have to take a decision and I have taken it," said Inzamam with an air of finality.

With regard to the death of coach Bob Woolmer, a topic journalists were asked not to get into, Inzamam indicated that the crushing one-sided victory was really a dedication to Woolmer's memory.

"It was difficult. This game we dedicated to Bob and we said yes, we know that we are down but we'll get up and give 100 per cent effort," said Inzamam.

With the passing of Inzamam as not only a one-day cricketer but as Pakistan's captain, a burning question was, who can take his place and provide the same kind of support to a bunch of sometimes erratic but talented players?

"Younis Khan is the most senior guy, and over the last couple of years he has been my deputy, and I think he is a good captain and he will look after the team very well," was the vote put forward by Inzamam.

Walking from the room after the conference, the burly right-handed batsman, who scored 11,739 runs with 10 centuries and 83 fifties from 378 one-day matches, slumped his shoulders in recognition of the fact that this was the last time.