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Tigers in must-win situation

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The Tigers need to win against both the Netherlands and South Africa, a tough task indeed. (AFP)
The Tigers need to win against both the Netherlands and South Africa, a tough task indeed. (AFP)

New Delhi - Bangladesh take on the Netherlands on Monday needing a win to stay on course for the World Cup quarter-finals while victory for Pakistan over Zimbabwe would complete the qualifiers from Group A.

Video: Biff on beating India

Video: Five wickets in 16 balls from the Proteas main strike bowler

Co-hosts Bangladesh shocked England on Friday to keep their qualification hopes from Group B alive - sparking wild scenes of celebration - and are seeking to boost their run-rate against the winless Dutch in Chittagong.

Bangladesh must beat both the Dutch and power-packed South Africa to cement a quarter-final berth in a tournament they are co-hosting for the first time with India and Sri Lanka.

But the Tigers' coach said to stand a realistic chance of going through, it was vital for the West Indies to win against England, avoiding the need for Bangladesh to beat the powerful South Africans in their last match.

"We have to beat the Dutch and then if England lose to the West Indies, we have a chance. Otherwise, it will be very difficult," said Jamie Siddons.

"If England win, we can't get in unless we win against South Africa, which is a very difficult task. I am not going to guarantee that we will win against South Africa. Also our run-rate is very poor."

Bangladesh have played the Netherlands just once before, in Glasgow last year in a rain-shortened 30-over game which the Dutch won by six wickets.

No team from Group B has yet qualified for the knockout round, but co-hosts India would be the first to make it to the last eight if Bangladesh failed to beat the Netherlands.

The West Indies, South Africa, England and Bangladesh are all in the mix, with one Test team certain to miss out.

But Group A is a different story with New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Australia already through to the quarter-finals and Pakistan almost certain to join them.

Pakistan are keen to put the Akmal brothers soap opera behind them.

Ever since Kamran put in a blundering performance behind the stumps in the 110-run defeat to New Zealand last Tuesday, it had been widely expected that younger brother Umar would take the gloves for Monday's match in Sri Lanka.

Umar was then accused of feigning a finger injury to save his brother's job.

"We want to put everything behind us, the defeat and any other thing which could hurt our preparation. We are in a positive frame of mind and will play for a win," said captain Shahid Afridi.

"Umar is OK. As far as Kamran is concerned, he has realised his mistakes and we have given him full confidence, and at this moment he is our best option," said Afridi, ruling out any makeshift changes.

The skipper said he hoped his batsmen, especially the top order, did not repeat the mistakes they made in the match against New Zealand.

"At the moment our plan is not to lose wickets and be positive. I have already told them to play to their strengths, like they play in domestic cricket, play like that."

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