Windies women upset Netherlands

HAARLEM: West Indies women logged a very impressive upset victory over hosts Netherlands in the second round of the World Cup qualifying International Women’s Cricket Council (IWCC) Trophy tournament on Tuesday.

Batting first, the Netherlands struggled to 125 for eight off their 50 overs, and the West Indies replied with 126 for three off only 37 overs after matching winning knocks by St Lucian Nadine George and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Juliana Nero at Sportpark Koninklijke HFC. The Netherlands, who looked potent in gathering 300 for five off 50 overs in their first round win over Scotland on Monday, were unable to dominate the West Indies bowling although Maartje Koster (40) and Pauline te Beest (34) got good scores. Dominica-born St Lucian Doris Francis picked up two for 20 runs from her ten overs, while Debbie-Ann Lewis (1-17), Verena Felician (1-19), Felicia Cummings (1-21) and Indomatie Goordial (1-25) shared four wickets.

West Indies then paced themselves to the 126 target and a comfortable victory with 13 overs to spare, after the left-handed George hit 40 and Nero got 39. The 17-year-old Goordial contributed 15 against Eugenie van Leeuwen (2-29). The West Indies, beaten in their opening match by Ireland, are fourth in the standings and needed a win over Scotland yesterday to enhance their title hopes. In other matches, leaders Pakistan secured their second win when they defeated Scotland by 48 runs, and Ireland defeated Japan by nine wickets. The top two teams will qualify for the 2005 World Cup in South Africa.