Pakistan beats Netherlands to keep world cup hopes alive

Picture - source AFP

Pakistan thrashed the Netherlands by six wickets in Perth to keep their hopes of making it to the semifinals alive

On Sunday, Pakistan held the Dutch to 91-9 before cruising to 95-4 with 37 balls remaining, thanks to Mohammad Rizwan’s 49 runs performance. However, it was the bowlers who helped the team win after they had lost to India in their opener and then been upset by Zimbabwe in Group 2.

Shadab recorded figures of 3-22 and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim claimed two wickets in order to establish the tone for their team’s dominance against a Dutch squad that is no longer eligible for the semifinals after losing a third consecutive Super 12 game.

Roelof van der Merwe’s direct throw caused Pakistan to lose their captain Babar Azam for four runs in the second over of their chase.

Rizwan attacked right away, scoring five fours and adding 37 alongside Fakhar Zaman, who was back in the team after injury.

In order for Pakistan to have any chance of making it to the semifinals, they must win their final two games against South Africa on Thursday and Bangladesh the following week, as well as hope that other outcomes go their way.