Paarl (South Africa), Feb 25: Pakistan kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 97-run victory against minnows Holland here today but still had much to worry about in their batting department ahead of their next match against India. The Pakistani batting line-up failed to bloom against a disciplined Holland attack and struggled to post a total of 253 for nine after being asked to take first strike.

Though Wasim Akram, who claimed an unprecedented 500th wicket today, and company skittled out Holland for 156 in 39.3 overs, the lack of form of some of the mainline batsmen, including top-gun Inzamam-ul Haq, would give Pakistan sleepless nights as they go into the high-voltage game against India at centurion on Saturday. Today's victory took Pakistan's tally to eight points from four games but they still need to win their two remaining matches against India and Zimbabwe to entertain any hopes of qualifying for the super six.

Bureau Report