Pakistan join England in Super Eight stage (Lead)

LONDON - Pakistan secured a place in the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 as they defeated the Netherlands by 82 runs in a crucial Group B encounter at the Lord’s here Tuesday.

Man of the Match Kamran Akmal hit a 30-ball 41 and skipper Younis Khan made 36 as Pakistan posted a formidable 175 for five in 20 overs.

Leggie Shahid Afridi then took four for 11, fourth best figures in T20 internationals, and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal bagged three for 20 to pack off the Netherlands for 93 runs in 17.3 overs.

Having lost their opening game against England, Pakistan were in a must-win situation against the Netherlands. Moreover, Pakistan needed a win by more than 25 runs to stay alive in the tournament.

The team came out firing all cylinders in all the three departments of the game and halted the Netherlands that had stunned hosts England in the first game.

After opting to bat, Akmal (41) slammed two sixes and Younis (36) hit three as Pakistan made 175. Misbah ul-Haq also played a valuable knock of an unbeaten 31 off 20 balls.

The Netherlands’s fast bowler Dirk Nannes (1/26) generated some pace but not enough to rattle the Pakistani batsmen.

For the Netherlands, Opener Alexei Kervezee scored a patient 21 while Ryan ten Doeschate made 14 but their efforts lacked the spark that they had showed against England.

But spinners Afridi and Ajmal dominated the proceedings right from the start while some superb glove work by wicketkeeper Akmal, who made four stumpings, saw Pakistan join England in the Super Eight Stage.