BENGALURU: In a spectacular display of cricket, India secured a resounding victory over the Netherlands, maintaining their flawless record in the ongoing ICC World Cup group stage. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul starred with remarkable centuries as India posted an imposing total of 410/4, capping their league engagements with an unprecedented nine consecutive wins.
Opting to bat first, India’s top-order set the stage for a formidable total, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill forging a quick 100-run partnership. Despite Rohit’s dismissal for 61, the crowd eagerly awaited Virat Kohli’s quest for his 50th ODI century. However, Kohli’s innings was cut short when he was bowled by Roelof van der Merwe for 51.
The setback didn’t deter India as Shreyas Iyer (128*) and KL Rahul (102) took charge, amassing a staggering 208-run partnership in just 128 balls. Shreyas showcased his batting prowess with a career-best ODI century, while Rahul’s 62-ball ton marked the fastest World Cup hundred by an Indian. The duo’s explosive partnership propelled India to their second-highest World Cup total of 410/4.
In response, the Netherlands showed resilience initially, with Max O’Dowd and Colin Ackermann displaying commendable strokes during the powerplay. However, Ackermann’s dismissal in the 13th over triggered a steady loss of wickets. Despite Teja Nidamanuru’s efforts, the Netherlands fell short, eventually being bowled out for 250.
With this victory, India concludes the group stage on a high note, setting the stage for a semi-final clash against New Zealand in Mumbai.
India Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul †, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Netherlands Playing XI
Wesley Barresi, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (c)†, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
