The top-order batsmen are running riot. If the bowlers lack pace, they resort to spin to outsmart the opposition. This strategy worked for India in the World Cup. Before the semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai, India needed to address a crucial aspect: the middle-order batting.
Against the Netherlands today, they fulfilled that requirement. Standing at Eden Gardens, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli anchored the innings, helping India post a mountainous total of 410 runs for the loss of four wickets.
Later, the Netherlands, chasing 410, managed to score 250 runs in 47.5 overs before getting bowled out, handing India an emphatic 160-run victory. The win secured India’s place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
The Indian batsmen were in a class of their own. Rohit Sharma set the tone with a blistering 61 runs off 54 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 112.96. Shubman Gill also contributed with a brisk 51 runs off 32 balls, displaying a strike rate of 159.38.
After the early dismissals of openers, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant formed a crucial partnership, adding 91 runs in quick time. Pant, with his aggressive style, scored 45 off 28 balls, while Suryakumar contributed 54 off 35 balls.
However, the Dutch batsmen struggled to make an impact. Rohit Sharma bowled 9 overs against the Netherlands, taking 2 wickets. The regular bowlers, including Bumrah, Siraj, Shami, and Jadeja, all played their part, each taking two wickets.
India’s batting display was extraordinary. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a solid foundation, adding 51 runs in the opening partnership. After their departure, Virat Kohli fell cheaply, and at 200 for 3, the pressure was on.
However, the duo of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul steadied the ship. They added 71 runs in 66 balls, with Shreyas Iyer scoring 50 off 48 balls and KL Rahul contributing 51 off 28 balls.
The partnership between Rahul and Iyer laid the foundation for a dominant middle-order performance. Iyer scored a brilliant 128 off 94 balls, and Rahul added 102 off 64 balls, propelling India to a formidable total.
In the end, India’s strong batting performance and the bowlers’ clinical display ensured a comprehensive victory over the Netherlands, marking a successful campaign in the group stage of the World Cup.
