The China Mail - Netherlands make 179 against Afghanistan in key World Cup clash

The Netherlands won the toss and opted to bat but were undone by seeing four of their batsmen run-out.

The Dutch recovered from seeing 39-year-old opener Wesley Barresi dismissed by spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the first over.

Max O'Dowd and Colin Ackermann put on 70 for the second wicket when a series of run-outs put them on the back foot.

O'Dowd was on 42 when he was beaten by a direct hit by Azmatullah Omarzai from fine leg.

With the score on 92-2, Ackermann (29) failed to make his ground when Ikram Alikhil whipped off the bails from a smart throw by Rashid Khan.

On the next delivery, skipper Scott Edwards swept, lost sight of the ball and as he wandered aimlessly out of his crease Alikhil ran him out without scoring.

Mohammad Nabi and teenage wrist spinner Noor Ahmad then sent back Bas de Leede, Saqib Zulfiqar and Logan van Beek thanks to three pieces of smart work by wicketkeeper Alikhil.

Sybrand Engelbrecht had made 58 with six fours when he became the fourth run-out of the innings, failing to beat Nabi's throw from midwicket.

That left the Dutch on 152-8 before they went on to be bowled out after 46.3 overs.

Nabi was the pick of the bowlers with the veteran off-spinner taking 3-28.

Afghanistan have three wins so far, over defending champions England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Victory against the Dutch would take them to eight points, the same as Australia and New Zealand, who currently occupy two of the semi-final qualifying places.

India have already made sure of a last-four spot with South Africa almost certain to join them.

The Dutch need to win on Friday to have any chance of keeping their campaign alive after two victories in six games.

Brief scores: Netherlands 179 all out in 46.3 overs (Sybrand Engelbrecht 58, Max O'Dowd 42; Mohammad Nabi 3-28) v Afghanistan

M.Chau--ThChM