Smith tips Scotland to win battle of the minnows

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, Mar 21 (Reuters) At least one neutral observer tipped Scotland to beat the Netherlands in what could be an epic Group A clash between minor nations tomorrow.

''Scotland are the better unit,'' said South African captain Graeme Smith.

''They seem more athletic around the field and they have one or two more bowling options and a few decent batters in their top six.

''I would back Scotland but I think it should be a good game to watch.'' Both associate countries have suffered crushing defeats against Australia and South Africa and tomorrow's match will be the final opportunity for one of them to leave the competition with a victory.

The teams, already eliminated from the World Cup, have met twice before in one-dayers and the Scots have won both matches.

Scotland's stand-in captain Ryan Watson was confident the trend would continue.

''We've got to go out and show that we're one of the top associate teams,'' Watson told a news conference.

Although the match will command nothing like the interest that is being shown for Saturday's battle between champions Australia and top-ranked South Africa, Watson defended the inclusion of weaker teams in the competition.

''There is a need for them,'' Watson said. ''The tournament would be a boring place and it wouldn't be a world event if we didn't have associate teams.

''Ireland (who achieved a shock win over Pakistan last Saturday) have proved what could happen if they get it right on the day.'' Dutch captain Luuk van Troost, 37, will have an added incentive for doing well.

''Who knows, I may retire after the World Cup,'' Van Troost, the headmaster of a special needs school, told reporters. ''In fact, I think I will.'' Reuters DH VV2236