Lawson expects Pakistan to qualify for T20 semifinals

London, June 10 (ANI): Former Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson expects Pakistan to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 semifinals, after a morale-boosting victory over the Netherlands in a must-win Group C match.

Lawson said that Pakistan have managed to find the sort of rhythm needed to win big games, and should go on to do well against their Pool F rivals Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Ireland.

"Pakistan really played well and did what they needed to do," said Lawson, who was Pakistan's coach when they reached the final of the 2007 World Twenty20 championship in South Africa.

"I think Pakistan can reach the semifinals because the momentum is with them now," The News quoted Lawson, as saying.

Pakistan outclassed the Netherlands by 82 runs after losing tamely to England on Sunday, but Lawson was not surprised at the team's stunning comeback to qualify for the Super Eights.

"It wasn't unexpected. I mean Pakistan is a very good side. They struggled early on because of the weather because they always have problems with cold conditions but now they have settled down," Lawson concluded. (ANI)