T20 World Cup: Max O'Dowd hits half-century as Netherlands beat Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have been all-but eliminated from the Men's T20 World Cup after a five-wicket defeat by the Netherlands in Adelaide.

Max O'Dowd hit a composed 52 from 46 balls as the Dutch chased down their target of 118 with 12 balls to spare.

Paul van Meekeren had earlier taken 3-29 to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 117, despite Sikandar Raza's 24-ball 40.

Zimbabwe need an extraordinary set of results, including a heavy win over India in their final Group 2 game.

They would also need certain games to either be tied or washed out.

The Netherlands, who had already been eliminated, pick up their first victory of the Super 12s stage, though it is not enough to lift them off the bottom of the group.

Netherlands ease to first win

Zimbabwe, who have never reached the semi-finals of an ICC tournament, knew they had to win to realistically keep their last four hopes alive.

But after winning the toss and choosing to bat under cloudy skies, they limped to 20-3 following the powerplay and never really recovered.

All-rounder Raza continued his fine tournament with a punchy counter-attack, hitting three fours and three sixes, while Sean Williams added 28 from 23 deliveries.

But Williams' dismissal triggered a collapse, with the final six wickets falling for 49 runs and no other player reaching double figures.

Netherlands lost Stephan Myburgh for eight early in their reply but a partnership of 73 between O'Dowd and Tom Cooper put them in command.

When O'Dowd was eventually dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani, just nine runs were needed for victory, Bas de Leede sealing the win with a thumping four back over the head of Williams.

This article originally appeared on BBC Sport

Photo: BBC Sport