Cricket: Netherlands thrash Afghanistan

The Netherlands produced a strong all-round performance to beat Afghanistan by nine wickets in their first One Day International here yesterday. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first in the ICC World Cricket League Championship match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. However, they were bowled out for 153 in 39.2 overs and Netherlands won with 23.4 overs to spare. Peter Borren took 4 for 32, while Tom Cooper claimed 3 for 11 from 5.2 overs. Mohammad Nabi top scored for Afghanistan with 41 from 63 balls. The Netherlands had few problems in the chase, Stephan Myberg being the only man to fall for 23. Michael Swart and Alexei Kervezee shared an unbroken stand of 107 for the second wicket. The teams meet again at the same venue tomorrow.