Jan Stander believes Scotland's bowling performance was key to helping them secure a 26-run victory over Holland in Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifying game in Johannesburg.

All-rounder Stander, 27, was the cornerstone of his side's batting display at the Wits University Ground, slamming an unbeaten 80 to help rescue them from 59 for five and post 216 for eight.

He then watched as John Blain took five wickets and Dewald Nel three to dismiss the Dutch for 190 with eight balls to spare in the sides' opening Super Eight clash.

"It's a good feeling, especially when defending a small total," said man-of-the-match Stander.

"I mean, 217 is not a huge target.

"It's just amazing to win; we knew exactly what we needed to do today, we know what we need to do for the rest of the tournament, so it's just really nice to get that win under the belt."

Stander feels the Scots, who headed into the first Super Eight game knowing another defeat would make it very difficult for them to qualify for the World Cup, showed incredible character in the field.

He continued: "We knew we had to bowl well. The coach (Peter Steindl) said, 'Guys are going to have to be counted'.

"We also knew we had to field well and I think it's probably the best we fielded in this tournament and Johnny (John Blain) and Nelly (Dewald Nel) definitely put their hand up and did a tremendous job with the ball.

"So, it's just brilliant. We knew it was going to get a little up and down in the afternoon because we've played here before, so we just had to stick at it and we eventually came through."

Stander is also not at all concerned by the form of the top order and is certain they will come good.

"I think everyone struggles in the morning here, the first 20 overs," he said.

"We've got to go back to the drawing board and think a little bit about shot selection.

"In saying that, the middle order has been doing well. We can't always rely on them, I know, but everyone is pretty confident that they will come good soon."

As for his own innings, Stander added: "It was really nice. I came in at a difficult time, was was a similar situation to that against Canada.

"I was just upset that I didn't use my opportunity against Canada, but today I did use it, got a not out and saw us nicely through the 50 overs, which was crucial."