Bengaluru: India secured its ninth consecutive victory in the Cricket World Cup 2023, overpowering Netherlands by a massive 160-run margin.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul stole the show with magnificent centuries, propelling India to a staggering total of 410 for 4, marking their second-highest World Cup score.
KL Rahul's explosive innings, the fastest century by an Indian in a World Cup match, and Shreyas Iyer's composed unbeaten 128, along with contributions from Shubman Gill (51), Rohit Sharma (61), and Virat Kohli (51), guided India to a commanding position.
This stellar performance allowed India to finish their league engagements with a perfect 18 points, setting the stage for a crucial semi-final clash against New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday.
The Indian bowlers had a relatively easy task as they bundled out the Dutch for 250 runs.
Even Kohli and Rohit, who took the final wicket, showcased their bowling prowess.
India's innings featured two significant partnerships: Rohit and Gill's forceful 100-run alliance for the opening wicket and Rahul and Iyer's remarkable 208-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Iyer's innings, in particular, stood out as he not only dispelled doubts about his ability to handle short-pitched deliveries but also crafted a meticulous century. His intelligent approach, picking the right areas to target, showcased his cricketing acumen. The innings demonstrated Iyer's capability to play against different types of bowling, including spin.
KL Rahul, who started steadily, shifted gears and played some breathtaking shots, including a swat-flick six and a slice-cut that left the crowd in awe. Rahul's century, achieved in just 62 balls, surpassed Rohit's World Cup record, making it the fastest century by an Indian in this tournament.
The Netherlands' chase faltered, with Teja Nidamanuru's brisk fifty (54 off 39 balls) being the only notable contribution.
As India moves to the semi-finals, its formidable batting lineup and all-round performance make the team a strong contender in the Cricket World Cup 2023.