Pakistan crush Netherlands by 123 runs in EurAsia Cup

Abu Dhabi, Apr 26 (UNI) Pakistan 'A' started their campaign in the EurAsia Cup with a comfortable 123-run win over Netherlands in a Group 'B' match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here.

Pakistan 'A' elected to bat first and put up a brilliant batting display against the Dutch XI to set up a huge total of 307, helped by an unbroken 121-run fourth wicket stand between Misbah Ul-Haq and Bazid Khan.

Khan was declared the Man-of-the-Match for scoring 77 off just 50 balls. Pakistan lost thir first wicket on 49 when Yasir Hammed (25) was run out. Mohammed Hafeez then joined Taufeeq Umer at the other end and their 97-run partnership for the second wicket took the total to 146 before Hafeez was caught by Alexe Kerveze off the bowling of Daan van Bunge.

Hafeez hit half a dozen fours in his 63-ball 57 while Umer, who fell to Mudassar Boukhari, chipped in with 62 off 96 deliveries with six hits to the fence. After captain Hasan Raza departed (24) Misbah Ul-Haq and Bazid Khan arrested the fall of wickets and took Pakistan to an imposing total of 307.

Khan's 77 included 11 fours whereas Misbah Ul-Haq's quickfire 45 came off 37 balls with five fours.

In reply, Netherlands lost their openers Tim De Grooth (1) and Mvan Nierop (0) at the beginning of the innings. But a 64-run third wicket stand between Atese Vuurman (29) and Daan van Vunji helped them to reach 67 in 19.4 overs.

Later, Alexe Kervese (25) and Peter Borran (45) added 85 runs for the fifth wicket but Netherlands could score only 183 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. For Pakistan, Mansoor Amjad and captain Raza took two wickets each.

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