Third win for the Dutch in the UAE

Captain Peter Borren grabbed three for 13 and opener Stephan Myburgh scored a fine unbeaten 55 as Netherlands defeated Denmark by seven wickets to notch up its third win in four matches in Group A of the ICC World Twenty Qualifier UAE 2012 at the ICC GCA Oval 2, Dubai Sports City, on Friday.

Denmark, batting first after winning the toss, found the going tough against an inspired Dutch side and finished at 117 for nine. James Moniz with 47 and Aftab Ahmed with 20 were the main-getters and also featured in a 37-run fifth wicket stand, which was the highest for the Denmark side.

Apart from Borren, Michael Swart, Mudassar Bukhari, Tom Cooper and Pieter Seelaar bagged a wicket apiece.

In turn, the Dutch, who defeated England in the ICC World Twenty20 2009 opener at Lord's, achieved victory for the loss of three wickets in 16.1 overs. Man of the match Myburgh finished up with a 53-ball that included four fours and three sixes.

Together with Wesley Barresi, Myburgh added 68 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket partnership. Barresi dominated the stand, contributing 45 not out off 30 balls with three fours and three sixes.

While the victory has kept the Netherlands on course for a top three finish in its group, the defeat has ended Denmark's chances of earning a ticket for the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 after suffering its third defeat in four matches.

Borren later said: "We had wanted to top Group A as it was an easier option. But that's no more in our hands after our loss to Afghanistan and we have to take the harder route. Now the target is to finish in the top two or three and stay in course for a place in the tournament proper.

"I think we are struggling to execute our plans with the ball. It cost us the match against Afghanistan while the win against Bermuda the other day was also a close and tight one. I haven't had many outings while Tom (Cooper) is also short of runs.

"It is a long tournament and we just need to continuously improve our performance. That's the only way to move into the next stage and next tournament."

Scores in brief

Netherlands beat Denmark by seven wickets at ICC GCA, Oval 2, Dubai Sports City

Denmark 117-9, 20 overs (James Moniz 47, Aftab Ahmed 20; Peter Borren 3-13)

Netherlands 122-3, 16.1 overs (Stephan Myburgh 55 not out, Wesley Barresi 45 not out)

Man of the match Stephan Myburgh (Netherlands)