The Netherlands kept alive their chances of a World Cup qualifier place when they totally outplayed Denmark to record a comprehensive eight wicket win at Ballymena.

Having won the toss and decided to bat, Denmark had no answer to the hostile opening attack of Dutch captain Sebastiaan Braat and Robert van der Harten.

The pair made use of a helpful pitch and overcast conditions to wreak havoc among the Danish top order.

Braat (5-11) and Van Der Harten (2-5) reduced Denmark to 16 for 7, before Anders Bulow dug in to try and bring a modicum of respectability to the total.

Bulow's obdurate 23 from 90 deliveries included the only two boundaries of the innings, but with no other batsman able to reach double figures, the final total was 47 all out in 42.5 overs.

Vinoo Tewarie was the other successful bowler, claiming the excellent analysis of 3 for 5 in his ten over spell.

In reply, Raja Basit Javed, who has been the stand-out performer for Denmark this week, claimed the early wicket of Vinoo Tewarie (3).

Sverre Loggers made 14 before being dismissed by Laraib Ahmad, but that was to be the end of their success, as James Gruijters (11*) and Dennis Coster (6*) saw The Netherlands pass their modest target with 8 wickets and 36.3 overs to spare.

Denmark's final game sees then face fellow strugglers Guernsey on Wednesday in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon, while Netherlands take on the hosts Ireland in a crucial clash.