Rohit Sharma-led India extended their unbeaten run in the ongoing ODI World Cup after a thumping 160-run victory over Netherlands at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on November 12, Sunday. With this India recorded their ninth consecutive victory in the World Cup 2023 as they ended up with 18 points in the standings before meeting New Zealand in the semifinal on November 15.
Batting first India rode on incredible centuries from KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to post an imposing total of 410/4. In reply, Indian bowler ripped through the Netherlands' batting line-up and bowled them out for a paltry 250 with 13 balls to spare.
It was India’s longest winning run in the history of the World Cup as they improved its eight-match victorious streak at the 2003 World Cup, where they suffered defeat at the hands of Australia in the final.
India's third-longest winning streak in World Cup history occurred in the 2015 edition, where they remained undefeated for seven consecutive matches before succumbing to Australia in the semifinals.
Only two teams have managed to lift the Cricket World Cup trophy without suffering a single loss throughout the tournament. West Indies achieved this remarkable feat in 1975 and 1979, while Australia replicated their success in 2003 and 2007.
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With a big target to defend, India's bowling attack stepped up to the plate, gradually dismantling the Netherlands' batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj struck early, providing the team with a crucial breakthrough after sending Wesley Barresi to pavilion at the score of 4. While the pacers initially struggled to maintain consistent pressure, Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the game-changer, breaking a critical partnership after dimantling Colin Ackermann for 35.
Ravindra Jadeja followed suit, adding another wicket to India's tally in the form of Max O Dowd (30). Despite their efforts, the bowlers faced some resistance from the Dutch middle order. Exploring their options, India turned to part-time bowlers, and Virat Kohli responded with the wicket of the Netherlands' skipper Scott Edwards.
With nothing left in the match Indian bowlers started picking wickets in flurry. Jasprit Bumrah mirrored the performances of Siraj, Jadeja, and Kuldeep, picking up a couple of wickets along the way. In the end, it was skipper Rohit Sharma who took the final wicket of the group stage, sealing a comprehensive victory for India.
Earlier, in a stunning batting display, Rahul etched his name in the record books with the fastest century by an Indian in a World Cup match, leading India to a colossal score of 410/4 against the Netherlands. This electrifying performance unfolded in Bengaluru on Diwali, adding a festive brilliance to the occasion. Rahul's whirlwind innings was perfectly complemented by Iyer's unbeaten 128, a masterclass in ODI batting. The duo's efforts were bolstered by half-centuries from Shubman Gill (51), Rohit Sharma (61), and Virat Kohli (51). This batting extravaganza positioned India as the third team in the tournament to surpass the 400-run mark, joining the ranks of South Africa and New Zealand.
The match saw India amassing 122 runs in the final 10 overs, setting a daunting target for the Netherlands. Iyer's fourth ODI century, and his first in the ongoing World Cup, was a blend of strategic acumen and aggressive batting. His ability to target specific bowlers and areas, while minimising risk, stood out as a highlight of his innings. Despite a known vulnerability against left-armers, Iyer navigated these challenges skillfully, focusing his attack on off-spinner Aryan Dutt and pacers Paul van Meekeren and Logan van Beek.
Rahul complemented Iyer's aggressive play with effortless rotation of strike and stunning shots, including a notable six off Van Meekeren. Rahul reached his seventh ODI hundred in just 62 balls, marking it as the fastest by an Indian in World Cup history. The foundation laid by Rohit and Gill, combined with Kohli's steady approach, set the stage for this record-breaking performance. Gill's prowess against both pace and spin, alongside Rohit's punishing play, laid a formidable platform. However, their aggressive approach led to their dismissals, setting the scene for Kohli and Iyer's partnership, which added a crucial 71 runs.
The Netherlands' bowling attack struggled to contain India's batting onslaught, with Bas de Leede (2/82), Paul van Meekeren (1/90), and Roelof van der Merwe (1/53) managing to share the wickets. Notably, India's 410/4 stands as the highest total posted by any team in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.
India will now lock horns with New Zealand on November 15 in the World Cup 2023 semifinal at the iconic Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
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