Stephan Myburgh's half-century helped Netherlands start their World Twenty20 campaign with a six-wicket win over United Arab Emirates in Sylhet.

Opening batsman Myburgh hit 55 off 36 balls as Netherlands reached a target of 152 with seven balls to spare.

The top four all contributed to the run chase; Michael Swart put on 69 for the first wicket in 6.4 overs with Myburgh, Wesley Barresi chipped in with 24 and Tom Cooper's unbeaten 34 finished off the job.

Australian-born Cooper had been a late inclusion to the squad, much to the displeasure of the man he replaced Tim Gruijters, who was ruled out by a back injury the severity of which he disputed.

UAE, appearing at an ICC tournament for the first time since the 1996 World Cup, had earlier been bowled out for 151 in 19.5 overs after choosing to bat first in the Group B day-nighter.

Khurram Khan (31) and Swapnil Patil (23) added 67 for the third wicket and No 5 Shaiman Anwar top scored with 32 from 19 deliveries before the Netherlands kept the final total in check with regular wickets in the second half of the innings.

Man-of-the-match Cooper (2-18) accounted for both Khan and Patil in the 11th over with his off-spin and seamer Ahsan Malik finished with figures of 3-16.