Cricket World Cup Wrapup - Days 24, 25 and 26

Bangladesh moved a point ahead of England and into 4th place in Group B with a 166-160 victory over winless Netherlands on Monday. The Dutch have on final chance on Friday to grab a win when they take on Ireland as they try to avoid going a winless World Cup showing. Imrul Kayes tallied 73 runs off 113 balls to lead Bangladesh and was named the man of the match. Shafiul Islam meanwhile bowled 9.2 overs and conceded only 15 runs while bowling three maiden overs. Ryan ten Doeschate led the Netherlands with 53 runs off 71 balls in a losing effort. Bangladesh will play South Africa in their final match in Group B Play.

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Pakistan improved to 4-1 in Group A play with a rain shortened victory over Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe tallied 151 runs off 39.4 overs and using the D/L method, it was determined Pakistan needed 162 runs off 38 overs to earn the victory. Asad Shafiq's four in the 35th over assured a Pakistani win as they finished with 164. Umar Gul was named the man of the match for taking 3 wickets in 7.4 overs, and Shafiq finished with 78 runs off 97 balls to lead the offense. Craig Ervine led Zimbabwe with 52 runs off 82 balls. Zimbabwe wraps up against Kenya on Sunday while Pakistan will play Australia on Saturday.

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South Africa moved into first place in Group B with a resounding 272-141 over the Irish yesterday. Jean-Paul Duminy produced 99 runs off 103 balls to lead the offense and Morne Morkel and Robin Peterson each took 3 wickets bowling as South Africa improved to 4-1 and the Irish dropped to 1-4. Ireland closes out the tournament against the Netherlands on Friday as they try to avoid giving the Dutch their first win and South Africa will face off against Bangladesh on Saturday as they look to lock up the top seed in Group B.

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Australia remains the only team in the World Cup without a loss as they defeated Canada 212-211 by 7 wickets with 91 balls remaining. Top order batsmen Shane Watson and Brad Haddin combined for 182 of the 212 runs for the Aussies combining for 20 fours and 6 sixes. Watson's 94 runs off 90 balls earned him man of the match honors. 19 year old Hiral Patel led Canada with 54 runs off 45 balls, but it wasn't enough. Canada finishes the World Cup 1-5 and barring some major changes will finish in sixth place in Group A. Australia faces Pakistan on Saturday before heading to the next round.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com