India made it two wins out of two at this year’s World Cup by beating the Netherlands by 56 runs in Sydney.
But, unlike the excitement of the first game they played in this year’s tournament against Pakistan, which came down to the last ball of the match, this was much more of a routine win for India, against a side ranked 16 places below them in the latest ICC T20I rankings.
And, in a competition that has already seen several surprise results, this was a case of the normal order being restored. Although the two teams had never previously met in T20I cricket, India were the overwhelming favourites to win, and more than justified that status.
Match recap
India won the toss and decided to bat first in Sydney. KL Rahul fell cheaply, but captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli added 73 together for the second wicket until Rohit was out for 53. He had faced 39 balls and his innings included 3 sixes and 4 fours.
That brought Suryakumar Yadav out to join Kohli in the middle, and the duo shared an unbeaten stand of 95, helping their team close on 179/2.
Kohli was undefeated on 62, scored off 44 balls, and including 2 sixes and 3 fours. Yadav made 51 off just 25 balls. That included 7 fours and s six.
The Dutch made a slow start to their replay and their cause was not helped by the loss of regular wickets. Tim Pringle top scored for them with 20, but none of the top order batters were able to make much of a contribution.
In fact, only a last wicket stand of 22, which included the number 11 Paul van Meekeren making an unbeaten 14, gave the final score of 123/9 a veneer of respectability.
For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravichandran Ashwin all took two wickets apiece.
Key talking points
Kohli continues his good form
Kohli’s innings of 82 against Pakistan he himself has described as one of the best of his career. Although he was not required to produce the same heroics this time, his innings was almost as good, and is indicative of a man who is finding form at the right time.
After several years of struggles with the bat – by his own high standards, – this is welcome timing for India.
Yadav impresses
The Indian selectors will be almost as pleased by the performances of Sharma and Yadav, both of whom missed out against the Pakistanis. Indeed, Yadav’s innings was good enough to earn him the Player of the Match award.
There may be a touch of concern that KL Rahul has yet to make his mark in this tournament, but, on this occasion, he can consider himself a touch unlucky. Although the ball he received from van Meekeren appeared to be heading down the leg side – as confirmed by subsequent TV replays – he was advised by his skipper not to review the decision.
The gap in class shows
The gap in class was most evident when The Netherlands batted. Their team is not used to facing such a high quality attack and they found it hard to score runs or avoid giving edges. Axar Patel was not even required on this occasion, whilst Hardik Pandya managed just six balls.
What this means
The result means that India top the group with the only team who have a 100% record form their two games so far. They are a point ahead of South Africa – who were deprived of victory in their first match against Zimbabwe by the weather.
In a further boost, the margin of victory has helped boost their Net Run Rate. In a tournament where weather could have a decisive impact when it comes to who makes the knock-out stages that could yet prove invaluable.
The Netherlands have lost both their games, and their chances of progressing to the knock-out phase, which were slim to begin with, are virtually over.
What happens next
India and South Africa will face each other in their next match takes place on Sunday, October 30th in Perth.
That will be preceded by the game between the Netherlands and Pakistan on the same ground.
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