SYDNEY: India’s batting firepower kept the Netherland bowlers at bay before bowlers dominated the dutch batters to help India seal a convincing win by 56 runs in the Group 2 encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup, here on Thursday.
Former Indian captain Kohli continued his top-notch form as he scored his second consecutive fifty in the tournament after he steered his side to a sensational victory on Sunday against Pakistan.
Set to chase 180, the Netherlands batters remained unimpressive with the bat as they could only manage 123/9 in the allotted 20 overs after combined efforts by Indian bowlers. Tim Pringle top-scored for the side with his 15-ball 20.
For India, pacers Arshadeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bagged two wickets each while Mohammed Shami took a scalp too. Spinners R Ashwin and Axar Patel also took two wickets apiece
Opting to bat first, India went through a dismal start as opener KL Rahul was sent back early on mere 9 runs by Paul van Meekan. Skipper Rohit then combined excellently with middle-order mainstay Kohli for the second-wicket partnership of 73 runs.
Sharma contributed 53 off 39 and smashed four fours and three sixes during his scintillating knock before he was caught out on Fred Klaassen‘s delivery in the 12th over at a total of 84.
Following the dismissal, top-scorer Kohli and India’s newly-found sensation Suryakumar Yadav completely dominated the Dutch bowler for the rest of the innings as they collectively raised 95 runs in just 48 balls.
