Akram collects 500th scalp

PAARL: Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq experienced contrasting fortunes as Pakistan cruised to a 97-run victory over the Netherlands in Cricket World Cup Group “A” yesterday.

Wasim became the first player in history to take 500 One-Day International wickets, but Inzamam’s miserable World Cup continued when he was out for a second-ball duck. Pakistan, desperate for a good performance after their crushing upset defeat by England, produced another unconvincing batting display in a total of 253 for nine, but their bowlers were more impressive as they routed the Dutch for 156 to keep their hopes of reaching the Super Sixes alive.

It was Wasim’s day, the 36-year-old left-arm fast bowler reached his milestone when he forced Netherlands opener Nick Statham to play a typically venomous inswinger on to his stumps.  He later had Klaas Jan van Noortwijk caught by wicketkeeper Rashid Latif and finished the match by trapping Jeroen Smits leg before wicket to complete figures of three for 24.  “I’m very excited but in the end what matters is that Pakistan should qualify,” Wasim said. “I think we are going in the right direction. I would like to dedicate this to all the people who have supported me in the last 18 years.”  Asked which players had helped him most in his career, Wasim mentioned two former Pakistan captains. “Imran (Khan) was the main man who helped me, and Javed Miandad,” Wasim said. Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis and Saqlain Mushtaq were also among the wickets as the Dutchmen struggled, Daan van Bunge top-scoring with 31 including a six and three fours. There were also 40 extras.

Earlier, Yousuf Youhana top-scored for Pakistan with a run-a-ball 58, Taufeeq Umar made 48 and Abdul Razzaq 47, but Inzamam’s wretched tournament continued. The fourth most prolific run-scorer in One-Day International history lasted one ball longer than he did against England on Saturday before being trapped leg before wicket by Dutch medium-pacer Tim de Leede. Inzamam’s tally for the tournament remained at 10 runs from four innings.