Australia continued their dominant run in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, as they thrashed Netherlands by 10 wickets in a one-sided match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. Chasing a modest target of 221, openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh made short work of the Dutch bowling, reaching the target in just 25.4 overs.
Warner and Marsh Unstoppable
Warner and Marsh were in sublime form, as they smashed the Netherlands bowlers all over the park. Warner scored his second consecutive century, finishing unbeaten on 121 off 87 balls, with 16 fours and five sixes. Marsh was equally aggressive, scoring 94 not out off 80 balls, with 12 fours and three sixes. The duo added an unbroken stand of 221 runs for the first wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket in this World Cup.
The Netherlands had no answer to the onslaught, as none of their bowlers could create any pressure or take any wicket. Aryan Dutt, who opened the bowling with his off-spin, was the most economical, conceding 40 runs in his seven overs. Logan van Beek, who took four wickets against South Africa, was the most expensive, leaking 68 runs in his six overs.
Australia’s Clinical Bowling Performance
Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early morning conditions. Their decision proved to be right, as they reduced Netherlands to 36 for 4 in the ninth over. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled with pace and accuracy, while Adam Zampa provided the spin support.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards top-scored with a fighting 62 off 79 balls, while Bas de Leede made a useful 41 off 56 balls. The pair added 85 runs for the fifth wicket, the only substantial partnership for their team. However, once Zampa broke the stand by dismissing de Leede, Australia wrapped up the innings quickly. Netherlands were bowled out for 220 in 46.5 overs, with Zampa taking four wickets for 38 runs.
Australia’s Impressive Campaign
With this win, Australia moved to the third spot in the points table, with four wins and two losses from six matches. They have eight points and a net run rate of +1.234. They have two more matches left against Afghanistan and England, and will look to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
Netherlands, on the other hand, slipped to the seventh spot, with two wins and four losses from six matches. They have four points and a net run rate of -0.874. They have two more matches left against India and Sri Lanka, and will need to win both of them to have any chance of making it to the knockouts.
