Win takes Tigers to brink of WC quarter-finals

Bangladesh cruised to a six-wicket win over the Netherlands Monday which takes them to the brink of the World Cup quarter-finals as Pakistan looked to seal their own passage.

Co-hosts Bangladesh are now in fourth position in Group B on six points, with the top four teams qualifying for the last eight and know a win over South Africa on Saturday will take them through.

The Dutch won the toss in Chittagong and opted to bat but slumped to 160 all out in 46.2 overs despite 53 not out from the dangerous Ryan ten Doeschate. In a reckless display of running between the wickets, the Netherlands lost four wickets to run outs.

Abdur Razzak picked up 3-29 in 10 overs, while fellow spinners skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Suhrawadi Shuvo claimed one wicket apiece.

Untroubled Bangladesh surpassed the target in the 42nd over with left-handed Imrul Kayes making 73 not out. Kayes put on 92 for the second wicket with Junaid Siddique (35) after opening partner Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Mudassar Bukhari off the fourth ball of the innings without scoring.

"It was a nervous win because we had to win to stay in the contest. I thought the boys showed their character and bowled in really good areas and kept the pressure on," said Shakib, who said qualification was still in the Tigers' hands.

If the West Indies beat England on Thursday in Chennai, Bangladesh will qualify regardless of the outcome of the South Africa match.

No team from Group B has yet capable for the knockout round. Bangladesh, India, West Indies, South Africa and England are all in the mix, with one Test team certain to miss out.