WATCH : Captain Rohit Sharma vintage wicket celebration against Netherlands

After winning the coin toss, India’s dominance became evident, signaling a challenging afternoon for the Netherlands. Little did they anticipate the onslaught that awaited them. Despite a formidable start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill amassing 91 runs in the initial powerplay, the situation took a turn when Gill departed after a rapid 30-ball fifty, courtesy of an exceptional Teja Nidamanuru catch.

Subsequently, Rohit and Kohli also succumbed after reaching the 50-run mark, leaving India at 200/3 in 28.4 overs. Although the duo of Iyer and Rahul added a mere 84 runs as the second powerplay concluded, they were on the verge of unleashing formidable power hitting.

In a spectacular display, they contributed 124 more runs, with Rahul achieving a century in just 62 balls, marking the fastest in Indian World Cup history. On the bowling front, India initiated with their customary quick start, as Siraj dismissed veteran Wesley Barresi in the second over.

However, this early success was the peak for India during the powerplay, as the Dutch reached 62 without further damage. The introduction of spinners caused a notable decline in the scoring rate. Kuldeep dismissed Colin Ackermann, while Jadeja castled Max ODowd.

Although Edwards and Engelbrecht attempted to stabilize the innings, sacrificing the run rate, an unexpected breakthrough came from Kohli. India even utilized part-timers in the form of Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, sensing the Netherlands’ lack of intent to chase the target.

With 221 required off the last ten overs, Nidamanuru anchored one end, but wickets tumbled at the other. Despite Nidamanuru achieving his maiden World Cup half-century, the Dutch fell short by 160 runs.

Updated: November 13, 2023 at 9:16 am

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