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Smits eager for double Dutch triumph

The Dutch’s four-wicket win at Lord’s here on Friday, where a scrambled two off the last ball saw them home to their target of 163, left them well-placed to reach the Super Eights.

They now return to Lord’s on Tuesday a Pakistan, who were knocked out of the 2007 50-over World Cup in the Caribbean following a first round after losing to another associate, or non-Test playing nation, in Ireland.

“We played okay,” Smits told reporters. “Batting wise we played up to our capabilities but fielding wise and bowling wise there is still room for improvement. The momentum at the moment is on our side.

“We know Pakistan like to play their shots up front but I think we can do it again,” he added.

An upset look some way off while England openers Ravi Bopara (46) and Luke Wright (71) were sharing a first-wicket stand of 102.

But wickets were then given away in the face of some tight Dutch bowling as England finished on 162 for five.

England didn’t manage a single six in their innings but the Dutch hit four with fine batting from Tom de Grooth, who made a bold 49 and Peter Borren 30 in an innings where the final over saw home quick Stuart Broad miss three chances to take a wicket.

“I’m really proud of the boys,” said wicket-keeper Smits, who is having to take time off work to play in this event.

“It’s costing us a lot of money, I’m having to take extra days off work but I really don’t mind at this moment,” he said.

“I said to the boys in the dressing room we are going to do it today, play hard, play your shots, we have got nothing to lose.

“This result speaks for itself, doesn’t it?” he said. “It’s a huge victory.

“Without doubt, the biggest day in Dutch cricket history, and now we are looking to qualify for the Super Eights and maybe the semi-finals.”

Man-of-the match de Grooth, a cricket coach, showed England how it should be done with 49 off 30 balls including a six and six fours.

“This is a dream,” he said. “To be out there today in front of a full house was amazing. I was in the zone. We went out there to play brave cricket and make England sweat a bit.”