A SPLENDID 167-run opening stand between Alexei Kervezee and Mudassar Bukhari made short work of Canada’s 205 in Johannesburg and confirmed Netherlands will be at the 2011 World Cup and carry ODI status for four years.

Kervezee (77) and Bukhari (84) led a confident reply to a target of 206 and though Netherlands wobbled after their stand was snapped in the 37th over, the cool hand of Bas Zuiderent was there when the winning runs were hit.

The win was set up in the field thanks to a controlled bowling and fielding display. Bukhari and Eric Szwarczynski struck with the new ball and the pressure was maintained by Darron Reekers and Peter Borren. Only Sandeep Jyoti (46) and Umar Bhatti (39*) waged some resistance down the order but a target of 206 proved too easy for Netherlands.

Kenya bounced back from the humiliation of defeat to Namibia by beating Ireland in Pretoria and confirming their presence at the World Cup. Kenya needed to beat Ireland and did so, first keeping them to 208 and wrapping up the chase by six wickets with 12 balls in hand.

At 83 for 3 in the 23rd over it was still anyone’s game but the experienced Steve Tikolo hit a cool unbeaten 66 from 73 balls and sealed victory with Collins Obuya. Obuya was not out on 50 in a partnership worth 113. Niall O’Brien was the top-scorer with 59 during Ireland’s innings.

John Mooney (34), Andrew White (25), Kevin O’Brien (22) and William Porterfield (21) got starts without really pressing on. Tikolo was the most successful wicket-taker with 3 for 11. Ireland had already secured World Cup qualification but will be without Eoin Morgan for tomorrow’s game against Canada. Kenya finished third in the Super Eight. (Cricinfo)