Finalists thrilled to be through

William Porterfield was in jubilant mood after guiding Ireland through qualification

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Ireland and Netherlands will battle it out on Tuesday in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, but before the two captains lock horns both afforded a quick glance to next summer after qualifying for the showpiece event.

Both teams booked a place at the World Twenty20 after winning their semi-finals at Stormont on Monday - Ireland beat Kenya, Netherlands defeated Scotland - and can look forward to facing the best teams in cricket.

"We are obviously delighted to get through," said Ireland captain William Porterfield, who plays county cricket for Gloucestershire.

Ireland did it the hard way, edging past Scotland and Bermuda before a nervy victory against the Africans in the semis.

"We have just gone from strength to strength," he added. "The character we showed yesterday was top-class and we just carried on today. It was just an unbelievable performance from the lads. To bowl a side like Kenya out for 68 in 20 overs was a remarkable effort."

With the tag of 'favourites' comes an unwanted burden, particularly playing when you are on home soil. With a place at the World Twenty20 in the bag, Porterfield hopes his side can relax when they play the Netherlands in the final.

"The pressure is off us now we have qualified," he said. "We can go out and enjoy the final and play proper cricket. Our objection was to qualify but we will still be going out to win the tournament."

Dutch skipper Jeroen Smits thought qualification could be a much needed shot in the arm for cricket in the Netherlands.

"It's big for Dutch cricket," he insisted. "We did not qualify for the 1999 World Cup in England and now there is a possibility a lot of spectators will follow us to England. The Dutch media attention might be bigger than if we play in South Africa or another country.

"It's a good chance to put Dutch cricket on the map. We are looking at the future as well."

Dutch skipper Jeroen Smits is confident of victory over Ireland

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Smits was in bullish mood when he considered Tuesday's final match-up with Ireland.

"We have some talented players in Holland," he said. "Ireland have some good players but I think the Dutch players are more talented.

"Schiferli is bowling well, it's about time Reekers comes off, so I am looking forward to that. Bukhari is bowling well but it's about time he comes off with the bat as well. His nickname is 'Boom Boom' Bukhari - he will show you tomorrow.

"I have not been impressed with the Ireland bowling. They have not played under pressure. We do respect them. We have to come hard at them and that's what we have to do. I expect a good game. I think the spectators deserve a better contest than they have seen so far."

The Netherlands will be without Ryan ten Doeschate, arguably the best player of the tournament, as he returns to play for Essex against Surrey. The all-rounder was man of the match against Kenya and Scotland but Smits is still confident his side will prevail.

"Ten Doeschate is a big loss but we rate ourselves, especially after today," he said. "We want to win a tournament."