The Netherlands drew first blood in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier when it defeated Kenya by 19 runs in the opening match at Stormont in Belfast, Ireland on Saturday.

Defending 153-5 in 20 overs, the Dutch bowled accurately and fielded smartly to restrict the second-seeded African side to only 134-9 in excellent conditions.

The Netherlands plays its second match of the first round later in the day against Canada and a victory will ensure it a place in next Monday's semi-final against the number two team from Group A.

In contrast, the defeat has left the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 semi-finalists Kenya facing a must-win match against Bermuda on Sunday.

For the Netherlands, Ryan ten Doeschate was the star performer. The Essex all-rounder scored an invaluable 56 and then picked up 3-27 to walk away with the man-of-the-match award.

After Steve Tikolo won the toss and elected to field, ten Doeschate stroked a four and three sixes to ensure the Netherlands reached a target which it could defend. Ten Doeschate added 22 in 10 balls for the second wicket with opener Eric Szwarzcyniski (28 off 21 balls with one four and three sixes) after the Netherlands made a flying start of 73 off the first eight overs.

Ten Doeschate then added 36 runs for the fifth wicket from 29 balls with Tom De Grooth.

Chasing 154 runs for victory, Kenya failed to dominate the Netherlands' disciplined bowling and agile fielding to finish at 134-9. Tikolo was the only batsman who offered some resistance while scoring 37 from 33 balls with three fours and a six.

Besides ten Doeschate, fast bowler Edgar Schiferli bowled to a teasing line and length to finish with 3-23.