A match too far for the Netherlands

Tomorrow is probably the day the Netherlands have been fearing most in the CricInfo Women's World Cup, it's the day they have to meet Australia at Lincoln Green.

Nothing rests on the game, Australia won't be beaten and will finish the preliminary round without a blemish while nothing can change the fact the Netherlands will be last in the tournament.

Australia can even afford to rest some of its leading players in readiness for Monday's semi-final with South Africa.

It has been a disappointing tournament for the Netherlands and tomorrow is a hurdle it could really do without.

However, it can incorporate the experience into its preparations for the IWCC Trophy tournament at a venue still to be decided in 2002. A decision on when and where it will be played will be made made at the IWCC meeting being held on Sunday as part of the World Cup tournament.

The chance is there for some of the leading Australian bowlers, if they are played, to challenge Catherine Campbell of New Zealand's record for most One-Day International wickets.

Campbell has 76 wickets while Charmaine Mason has 72 and Cathryn Fitzpatrick is on 68, a mark she shares with New Zealand's Katrina Keenan.