Pakistan beat Netherlands

Pakistan secured the final place in the Super Eight phase of the World 20/20 Championship today after thrashing minnows the Netherlands by 82 runs at Lord’s in England.



After losing their opening game against England on Sunday, Pakistan needed to win by at least 24 runs to avoid being eliminated on run rate by the Netherlands.



Pakistan will play alongside Ireland, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in one Group, while West Indies, whose place was confirmed yesterday, will do battle against India, England and South Africa.



Shahid Afridi took four wickets to wreck the Netherlands.



Electing to bat, Pakistan compiled 175 for five off their 20 overs before Afridi took four for 11 and stifled the Netherlands to 93 in 17.3 overs.



The result was very disappointing for the Netherlands, who had stunned England in the opening game on Friday.



Meanwhile, in the day’s other match at Lords, South Africa batting against New Zealand were 49 without loss after seven overs.