Namibia upset Netherlands in ICC World Cup qualifier

Namibia opened its ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014 (CWCQ) campaign in style with a 91-run victory over the Netherlands in a Group B clash Wednesday at the Bay Oval 2 in Mount Maunganui town in the country's north.

An all-round team performance saw the side post 253 for six in its 50 overs after being sent in to bat, with Gerrie Snyman striking 74 runs at a run a ball.

The 32-year-old found the boundary nine times, and put on a 58-run fifth-wicket stand with Nicolaas Scholtz (27) before being run out in the penultimate over. Christi Viljoen (46 not out) and Craig Williams (36) also added quick runs to bring the Namibia total to 253.

Netherlands' Mudassar Bukhari led with the ball, claiming three wickets for 40 runs, while Michael Swart took two for 44. The Namibia bowling attack tied up the Netherlands run chase, with fast-medium bowler Christi Viljoen claiming a four-wicket haul.

The Netherlands lost its openers cheaply in the first five overs, before captain Peter Borren (29) steadied the innings. The skipper faced only 17 balls and struck five boundaries before falling to Nicolaas Scholtz in the tenth over.

Borren's departure sparked a mini batting collapse, before youngster Michael Rippon (44 not out) came to the crease and played a patient knock. The 22-year-old was the last man standing when Netherlands finished its innings, all out for 162 in 36.5 overs.

Viljoen finished with four wickets for 33, while Bernard Scholtz and Louis Klazinga claimed two wickets apiece.

Man of the match Snyman said the victory was the result of a team effort, with good partnerships through the innings.

"Our batsmen were backed up really well by the bowlers. They worked out the wicket well."

"Momentum is the biggest thing in a tournament like this, and a win first up is just what we wanted."

Netherlands captain Borren was disappointed with the result after a strong opening performance against Uganda.

"We obviously didn't play to our usual standard. The team's batting performance was simply not good enough and we'll have to improve pretty quickly."

Scores in brief:

At Bay Oval 2, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, North Island

Namibia 253 for six in 50 overs (Gerrie Snyman 74, Christi Viljoen 46 not out, Craig Williams 36; Mudassar Bukhari 3-40, Michael Swart 2-44)

The Netherlands 162 all out in 36.5 overs (Michael Rippon 44 not out, Stephan Myburgh 40; Christi Viljoen 4-33, Bernard Scholtz 2-31, Louis Klazinga 2-36)