Netherlands hope to make an impact

	Netherlands coach Peter Drinnen on his side's chances in the 2011 World Cup
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For a country with the limited cricket resources of the Netherlands, making their fourth World Cup is an impressive effort. They are the least likely to cause an upset, especially with Ireland being the other minnow in their group, but they certainly won't suffer from a lack of desire and determination.

You only have to ask England about that. Remember Lord's in 2009? It may have been Twenty20 and not 50-over cricket, but Netherlands' final-ball victory in the opening match of the tournament was one of the biggest shocks in cricket history. And, in a neat fluke of scheduling, their first match in the World Cup is against Andrew Strauss's team. Only one team has anything to lose in that one.

However, as with the likes of Ireland, Kenya and Canada - not to mention the Associates who narrowly missed out, such as Afghanistan - this is looking like a last hurrah at this major global event. With ten teams slated for the 2015 tournament, even though TV rights say there have to be the same number of matches, the smaller nations are being pushed aside. Netherlands will be desperate not to go out with a whimper.

The batting is reasonably strong - Ryan ten Doeschate is their main man; Tom Cooper plays for South Australia and Alexi Kervezee has impressed for Worcestershire - but in subcontinent conditions against the clumping bats of the major nations, the bowlers could come in for some harsh treatment. They'll all be hoping not to go the same way as Daan van Bunge at the 2007 World Cup, when Herschelle Gibbs took him for six sixes in an over at St Kitts.

World Cup Pedigree

Have appeared at the 1996, 2003 and 2007 World Cups but have just two victories, against Namibia and Scotland, to show for their efforts, while the defeats have been by huge margins. Their best effort was probably against India in 2003, at Paarl, when they managed to bowl out a star-stubbed batting line-up for 204. Time de Leede took 4 for 35.

Form guide

They haven't played a one-day international since August when they lost two matches against Ireland, which doesn't bode well for their meeting in this tournament. However, before that they upset Bangladesh with six-wicket victory, so they'll harbour hopes that a major scalp isn't beyond their reach.

Where they are likely to finish

They won't get out of the group, but their aim should be to cause some of the big teams uncomfortable moments. Their World Cup comes when they face Ireland on March 18 in their final group match.

Watchability

The batting has some fine stroke-makers, led by Ryan ten Doeschate of Essex, and if he gets going, he likes to deal in boundaries. When the bowlers come up against the likes of Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, it could be a time to cover your eyes and wish them the best.

Players in focus

Ryan ten Doeschate has established himself as a fine Twenty20 cricketer, so much so that he put his name into the IPL auction and was signed by Tasmania for Australia's Big Bash. But he is more than a hit-and-hope batsman and has the ability to build long innings. His ODI average is a Bevan-esque 68.55 and his strike-rate a powerful 87. Against his Associate peers has sometimes looks a class above, so this global stage is the perfect chance for him to show he can perform against the best. Netherlands will need all the runs he can manage. His medium-pace bowling is also useful and his experience under pressure in the professional game will be vital.

There are more than 15 Australian cricketers at this World Cup. Tom Cooper is part of South Australia's squad but by virtue of his Dutch mother is plying his trade for Netherlands when opportunities arise. He brings solidity, and a bit of Aussie toughness, to the top order and will be important in seeing off any early movement from the new ball. Has good memories of facing some of the West Indian bowlers he'll come up against after making 160 for the Prime Minister's XI at Canberra in 2009-10.

If you listen to some watchers of county cricket, Alexei Kervezee will have a career with England. His first-class average is only 37, but that's rising after he made 1190 Championship runs in 2010. At ODI level for Netherlands he has still to fulfil his talent, with an average of 26.56 and a top score of 92. If he really harbours ambitions of an international career above Associate level, the next month is the ideal shop window