``What's there to cheer about ?'' said auto mechanic Naubat Khan. ``We lost the crunch match against India (at Old Trafford) and that's where my interest in World Cup ended.''

``Even if we win the Cup, the defeat to India will remain a black mark,'' he said as tensions between the South Asian neighbours remained high because of tension at the border.

Ironically, Pakistan's 148-run victory over Zimbabwe at The Oval yesterday ended India's faint hopes of reaching the knock-out stage. ``In years to come, the only thing which will be remembered will be that Pakistan reached the semifinals and India were sent packing,'' said Salim Kheera, a 28-year-old banker.

``If Indians think they have won their World Cup (by beating Pakistan), then let them be happy because they will be watching the June 20 (final) match sittingin their armchairs while we will be duly involved as Pakistan would be playing that match.''

Pakistan's defeat by India led to effigies of captain Wasim Akram being burnt.