India thrash Pakistan in WT20

India began the Super 10 phase of the World Twenty20 with a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Mirpur.

Pakistan scored a modest 11 fours and two sixes in their 130-7, Umar Akmal top-scoring with 33 from 30 balls and Sohaib Maqsood adding 21 off 11.

India’s openers hit six fours and two sixes, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma racing to 54-0 within eight overs.

Three quick wickets fell but Virat Kohli (36) and Suresh Raina (35) guided India home with nine balls remaining.

Netherlands’ epic chase

Stephan Myburgh smashed the second fastest 50 in Twenty20s to launch Netherlands past a stunned Ireland and Zimbabwe into the main draw of the World Twenty20.

Myburgh struck 63 off 23 balls, hitting four boundaries and seven sixes to begin Netherlands’ blitz.

The Dutch had to chase down Ireland’s mammoth 189-4 in 14.2 overs to qualify. They did it in 13.5, an incredible average of more than 15 runs per over.

All of the Dutch chipped in. Wasely Barresi, who was 40 not out off 22 balls, struck a final six over deep mid-wicket to seal the deal in unbelievable fashion.

Zimbabwe’s win in vain

Earlier, Elton Chigumbura hit a rapid 53 not out to help Zimbabwe win their second match in the World Twenty20, beating the United Arab Emirates by five wickets.

Chigumbura smashed six fours and three sixes off just 21 balls, with the last six sealing the win as Zimbabwe raced to 118-5 in 13.4 overs.

The UAE, who lost their third straight match, had a chance for an upset when they had Zimbabwe at 34-4.

But Chigumbura’s innings steered Zimbabwe and help his team avoid an embarrassing loss.

Sean Williams claimed a career-best 3-15 for Zimbabwe, while Chatara and Sikandar Raza were 2-21 and 2-15, respectively.