Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul both scored hundreds, and the top-order batsmen of India shone brightly as they amassed a colossal 410-4 from 50 overs against the Netherlands in their final group-stage match on Sunday. India was already qualified for the semi-finals.
India vs Netherlands LIVE: Cricket score and updates from ODI World Cup
Following the demise of their companions due to rapid fifty-scoring on the favourable batting surface at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Iyer (128 not out) achieved his fourth century, and Rahul (102) joined him in a 208-run stand that illuminated the stage during the Hindu festival of Diwali.
India tested the Netherlands after winning the toss and electing to bat, as opener Shubman Gill (51) and captain Rohit Sharma (61) effortlessly struck boundaries for 91 runs during the powerplay, providing them with an excellent foundation.
Although Gill’s three fours and four enormous sixes were especially punishing for the bowlers, the world’s leading batsman collided with a deep fielder on a short delivery from Paul van Meekeren shortly after reaching his twelfth fifty.
The Netherlands continued to nibble away and were rewarded when Rohit was caught at wide long-on by seamer Bas de Leede. However, a brisk 71-run stand between Kohli (51) and Iyer in the 29th over propelled India past 200 runs and kept them on track for a massive total.
Kohli enthralled the crowd with an assortment of deliveries subsequent to a shaky beginning in his pursuit of 50 one-day international tons and surpass Sachin Tendulkar. However, supporters were subdued when spinner Roelof van der Merwe dismissed stumps with a more consistent one.
India are in pursuit of their ninth consecutive victory in order to preserve a perfect record prior to their semi-final encounter with fourth-placed New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday. A triumph for the Dutch could secure qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.