New Zealand wins easily against an inexperienced Dutch squad

New Zealand started their World Cup campaign with a resounding victory against the Dutch in Matara on Wednesday. The match, which was delayed due to heavy overnight rain finally started at 1pm. Holland won the toss and elected to field, only to watch the New Zealand compile an imposing 206 in 32 overs. This was followed by a ruthless fielding performance by the New Zealanders which restricted the ICC qualifiers to 55 for 9 at the close.

Earlier in the day, the New Zealand openers having been put into bat, raced to 50 off just 51 balls. A crowd of some 200 Sri Lankans were treated to the type of pinch hitting display that was born of their own. Janie Howe set the tone with two memorable boundaries shots in the third over - the first ball flicked through mid-wicket and then the next pulled in front of square.

The Dutch side was visibly nervous in the field. None of the bowlers were able to make early use of the damp pitch. Two run out chances were missed before Robert Lynch was caught short of the crease by a sharp pick up and throw by Franklin Nyman at backward square leg. Nyman was also involved in the next wicket, Howe, caught driving to cover for a classy 43.

Credit must be given to Holland for the way that they stuck at it. The New Zealand middle order sacrificed their wickets in the search for quick runs, captain of the Kiwis, James Franklin, looked a special talent at the end, unbeaten on 38 in a total of 206 for 6.

Speaking to CRICINFO in between innings, Pene Van Lerschot, chairman of the Netherlands selectors said, " that was exactly the type of pressure we are looking for and need experience against, with runs being scored at a quick pace. We must do the same when we bat and put the pressure on the New Zealand fielders."

Chasing in the tournament will not be easy for any of the teams. It proved too much for Holland. New Zealand were exemplary in the field. In the 12th over four of the top order batsmen were back I the pavilion - Bins for 1, Van Bunge for 2, Ierschot for 5 and Nawaz for 6. With the total on 28 the captain, Franklin, compounded the pressure, varying his bowlers well. Two close catchers were in place throughout and there was plenty of vociferous appealing. A further three wickets fell in successive balls. Holland ended on 55 for 9.

In short Holland never got to grips with the superb NZ bowling and fielding. They go into the next two group matches needing to dig deep in order to avoid similar defeats against India and Bangladesh.

New Zealand are a very organised unit and look like being a threat to the very best. Speaking of his teams win, Paul Smith, the New Zealand manager said, "they played excellent cricket all round. We had a particular strategy in terms of shot selection and field placements, which the guys stuck to well. We have two tough games to come against sides with local knowledge. At the end of the day I am just really pleased to have got a game in today. The ground staff did a great job."