Dutch bowler Schiferli voted WC Qualifier star

Netherlands opening bowler Edgar Schiferli was named best player of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament on Sunday. Schiferli pipped two opening batsman, team-mate Alexei Kervezee and Ireland captain William Porterfield, for the award after the 19-day final qualifying tournament for the showcase of one-day international cricket.

He took 24 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.38 as the Netherlands clinched one of four Cup places for 2011, including four against Kenya on Sunday in a play-off the Dutch won by six wickets to finish third.

"The bowling of Edgar, on essentially batsman-friendly wickets, was instrumental in Netherlands gaining qualification," selection panel member and former Sri Lanka batsman Roshan Mahanama said.

"Opening the bowling is not an easy task with power plays and pinch hitters so it is always important that teams take early wickets.

JOHANNESBURG, Monday, AFP