Australia started their World Cup 2023 campaign with back-to-back defeats against India and South Africa. However, the Pat Cummins-led side showed great resolve to bounce back in the showpiece tournament.
The five-time champions returned to winning ways last week by thrashing Sri Lanka and Pakistan. On Wednesday (October 25), the Aussies registered their third victory as they annihilated Netherlands in Delhi by 309 runs – the highest-ever win by runs in World Cup history.
With this victory, Australia strengthened their claims for a spot in the semi-final. They are currently holding the fourth position on the points table featuring 10 teams.
After the game, Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed confidence that they were gradually finding their rhythm and beginning to showcase the style of play they are known for.
"Just about the complete game. Couldn't be happier. We are starting to play to our potential and play in the style we talk about. We had another good batting powerplay," Cummins said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Opting to bat first, Aussie batters like David Warner (104), Steve Smith (71) and Marnus Labuschagne (62) batted brilliantly to set an ideal platform for a gigantic total.
In the last 10 overs, Glenn Maxwell took the Dutch bowling attack to the cleaners, slamming 106 off 44 balls to propel Australia to a gigantic 399/8 in 50 overs.
Commenting on Maxwell’s fastest century in World Cup history, Cummins said: "That was crazy. Though we both contributed equally in that 100-run partnership."
Defending the total, Australia bundled out Netherlands of a paltry 90 in just 21 overs. Adam Zampa starred with the ball with four wickets (4/8) in his three overs.
"It's what we are aiming for. We've bowled quite well but without a lot of luck. (Adam) Zampa, another four-for," the captain stated.
Australia’s next World Cup match is scheduled against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 28.
"They (New Zealand) are a good side. They've played in Dharamsala before. It's a big game, it's a World Cup. We are in a good space, can't wait to get there."
Cummins also highlighted the areas they need to improve on. "I don't think we have totally nailed the 50 overs with the bat yet."
On the other hand, Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards acknowledged that the execution of his bowlers wasn’t up to the mark on Wednesday.
"They (Australia) are a quality side, we should have been better today. Execution (what could have been done better with ball). You miss by fractions and you get out of the park. Full credit to the Aussies," Edwards said.
"We got back in a bit there with 10 overs to go. Maxwell got going and we couldn't stop him. Pretty nice wicket here and ball travels so quickly. Those two (opening batters) were awesome for us for the last 18 months and one of the reasons why we are here so we back them all the way."
(With PTI Inputs)
