[luckyeddie]

<quack>

25 February, Pakistan v Netherlands, Paarl

Inzamam ul-Haq (Pakistan)

Inzy watched most of his first over at the wicket from the non-strikers end. Facing the last ball, he is rapped on the pad - not out, probably a bit of bat involved. The next over, bowled by Tim de Leede, Abdul Razzaq makes a huge mistake - takes a single, allowing our man back on strike again to face his second ball. This time, there is no mistake - Inzamam makes sure the bat is nowhere near his pad. The decision is predictable. A better knock than his innings against England - just.
DD rating - 6 lilypads

Nick Statham (Netherlands)

Nicks biggest asset is supposed to be his 'stickability'. Well, today was no exception. He stuck around for 8 minutes and nine balls, then stuck his bat in the way af a regulation length ball from Wasim - only to discover that he'd stuck it right back on his stumps. Well, Nick, you've stuck your way right into the record books by becoming Wasim Akrams 500th ODI victim.
DD rating - 8.5 lilypads (0 for the duck, 8.5 for the historical significance)

Jacob-Jan Esmeijer (Netherlands)

My mum always used to say 'If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well'. JJ Esmeijer has worked hard on his batting - and it shows. Today, he played every bit as well as Inzy. Same number of balls faced, same method of dismissal, only he contrived to get out to the very occasional slow left arm of Saeed Anwar which makes it a far better duck. My mum would have been proud (actually, she might have done as well).
DD rating - 7 lilypads

Breadcrumb moment - Extras (Netherlands)

The ever-reliable 'sundries' today comfortably top-scored for the Dutch with a well-constructed 40. Not bad, to say that the innings only lasted for 39.3 overs. Star man - certain to retain his place for the rest of the tournament.

Breadcrumb moment - Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

No mickey-taking here. The world - and Cricket Web - salute Wasim Akram for becoming the first bowler ever to take 500 wickets in one-day internationals. Nick Statham is the batsman immortalised in the record books - bet he didn't see that coming before the World Cup. Well done, Wasim. On to 600.