Afghanistan thrash Netherlands to boost World Cup semi-final chances

Afghanistan made it three wins in a row with a seven-wicket success over Netherlands to keep alive their hopes of making the Cricket World Cup semi-finals.

Sybrand Engelbrecht hit 58 for Netherlands, but was run-out by Mohammad Nabi, who claimed three for 28 to help dismiss the Dutch for 179 inside 47 overs.

It never looked like being enough and, after Rahmat Shah (52) passed fifty, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi guided Afghanistan over the line with an unbeaten 56 to move them up to fifth in the table after a fourth victory of the tournament.