Two wins will do - Netherlands arrive for World Cup

"Two wins would be good, but we will be trying for more," was the promise of Betty Timmer, manager of the Netherlands team for the Cricinfo Women's World Cup after their round-the-world struggle to reach New Zealand today.

"Our ambitions? Well, the top four may be beyond us," said Timmer.

"The first objective will be to reach the top six, and thus qualify for the next World Cup in four year's time. Teams below the top six will have to survive qualifying rounds.

"We beat Sri Lanka at the last World Cup, and also defeated them in some warm-up matches, so they will be a target for us. Ireland might be another whom we would aim at. Of the others I am not sure how strong are South Africa."

Timmer had no hesitation in placing Australia as first favourite to retain the world title. She placed New Zealand as second favourite ahead of England.

"England had a poor tour to New Zealand last season, but I am not sure whether they have improved. My pick would have Australia and New Zealand in the final."

In the meantime the Netherlanders are more concerned at catching up with lost sleep, and mislaid luggage.

They started their round-the-world trip badly, stuck in Amsterdam as London was fogged in. With one problem after another the cricketers reached Auckland 28 hours behind schedule, and "we feel as if we have been travelling for three days."

First priority was finding three lost suitcases. Then sleep. Then, tomorrow to Napier for pre-Cup warm-up matches against Central Districts, and the chance to tune their style to grass pitches after playing all their home matches on artificial pitches.