Netherlands scare Kenya

The Africans - World Cup semi-finalists four years ago - made 274 for eight and the Dutch took it right down to the final over after a splendid 142 opening partnership between Darron Reekers and Bas Zuiderent.

The Netherlands had Kenya in some early trouble at 21 for three after Mark Jonkman picked up the wickets of opener David Obuya and Ravi Shah while Maurice Ouma was bowled by the Netherlands' New Zealand-born all-rounder Reekers.

But Kenya recovered well with skipper Steve Tikolo and Tony Suji putting on 104 for their fourth wicket before Tikolo was caught and bowled by Daan van Bunge for 51.

The adventurous strokeplay of Thomas Odoyo ensured a good tally for Kenya with his 73 well supported by Collins Obuya's 33.

The Netherlands made a superb start to their reply, however, with Reekers and Bas Zuiderent (65) taking charge before the former skied a catch to Shah off Tikolo to end his innings on 75.

With the required run-rate rising, van Bunge holed out to Thomas Odoyo for 23 leaving South African-born Ryan ten Doeschate to lead the charge.

Ten Doeschate - who plays in English county cricket for Essex - took the attack to the Kenyans but it was his partner, New Zealand-born Peter Borren who suddenly put the Dutch in with a chance, hitting three huge sixes in one over off the bowling of James Kamende.

But ten Doeschate was run out for 50 with three overs remaining and when Borren was stumped for 22 off Tikolo in the 48th over, the challenge faded with 28 wanted off the last two overs.

That was too much for the Dutch and off-spinner Tikolo ended up with figures of five for 48.

Kenya start their World Cup campaign against Canada in Group C on March 14 with the Netherlands in Group A action against South Africa two days later.