Pakistan face Dutch in a do-or-die match

London:

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is confident his side can come good when it matters most against the Netherlands and avoid the embarrassment of a first round exit from the World Twenty20.

Pakistan, losing finalists in South Africa two years ago at the inaugural World Twenty20, are on the brink of an early departure from this edition after their convincing 48-run loss to England at the Oval on Sunday.

The damage done to Pakistan's net run-rate means it is not enough for them to beat the Dutch at Lord's - the scene of the Netherlands's shock four-wicket win over England in the tournament opener - on Tuesday.

Pakistan, in order to progress, will have to either restrict the Netherlands to 75 percent of their total or reach their victory target within 16 overs.

"It's a big game and we've worked out what we need to do and it's not impossible, but it is a do-or-die situation for us," Alam said on Monday.

"Holland are a good side and they have some good cricketers, but if we play to our potential with the match-winners we have then I'm sure we will get through.

"We were not surprised by Holland because in Twenty20 cricket anything can happen and we saw that when West Indies beat Australia," Alam, the coach of the Pakistan side that won the 1992 World Cup, said.

"West Indies have been here in England for three months and nothing has gone right for them and all of sudden they come into this tournament and the captain (Chris Gayle) plays a fantastic knock."

Pakistan were dramatically sent home early from the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean when beaten by Ireland - who on Monday ended Bangladesh's interest in the World Twenty20 - and Alam said memories of that reverse were still raw.

"It would be a big blow to go out because nobody wants to go out at the first stage," said Alam.

"In the last World Cup we didn't qualify for the Super Eight and we don't want to repeat that.

"I'm sure the boys are okay, they are not down and they will go out there and do their jobs properly. We were all disappointed with the result against England but that's over now and you have to move forward."

Pakistan, who saw former Test leg-spinner Abdul Qadir resign as their chief selector on Monday although he insisted his departure was not connected to the England defeat, are set to make at least one change.

Pace bowler Yasir Arafat sustained a hamstring strain during the loss to England and has already been ruled out.

Left-arm swing bowler Sohail Tanvir is in line to take Arafat's place.