Afghanistan Lose Unbeaten Record As Netherlands Win

Netherlands 132-6 (Kervezee 39, Mohd. Nabi 3-23) beat
Afghanistan 128-9 (Raees Ahmadzai 23) by four wickets
ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier Super Fours, Dubai
Scorecard | TV Reaction

The Netherlands made it two wins in a row, in the process ending Afghanistan's unbeaten record in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier with a four-wicket victory in Dubai.

The opening match in the Super Fours saw Afghanistan make 128 for nine before the Netherlands coolly overhauled their target with seven balls remaining.

The Afghanistan batsmen struggled to get going and their top scorer was Raees Ahmadzai, who made 23, as the Netherlands, who have been improving as the tournament progresses, put in a good performance in the field, Mark Jonkman emerging as the outstanding bowler with two for 23 from his four overs while there was a wicket apiece for Ryan ten Doeschate, Pieter Seelaar and Mohammad Kashif and four batsmen were run out.

In reply, Netherlands enjoyed another fine start courtesy of a 64-run opening stand between Alexei Kervezee (39 in 33 balls) and Eric Szwarzcynski (21) and their good work was continued by Daan van Bunge, who made 24.

Afghanistan fought hard, getting back into the game thanks to Mohammad Nabi's three for 23 but ten Doeschate's experience proved telling, the Essex man unbeaten on 24 in 20 balls to close out the win.

Afghanistan play the United Arab Emirates on 13th February while the Netherlands complete their qualification bid against Ireland.

© Cricket World 2010

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