Team India remained unbeaten in the league stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 as they crushed Netherlands by 160 runs at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday (November 12).
After the game, India’s middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav was declared winner of the best fielder award.
Instead of announcing the contenders in the dressing room, India’s fielding coach T Dilip unveiled the names on a big screen on the ground. KL Rahul, Suryakumar, and Ravindra Jadeja were shortlisted for the best fielder award.
After the contenders were announced, the groundsmen revealed Surya as the winner by holding placards. In the end, Suryakumar Yadav received the medal from left-arm throwdown specialist coach Nuwan Seneviratne.
"Tirelessly working behind the stumps playing dual roles. But especially in the fielding, he has been my right shoulder, my everything," Dilip said about Seneviratne's contributions.
After receiving the medal, Surya expressed gratitude, saying, "He (Dilip) has been behind me for one year; finally, I think this is the reward."
Coming to the match, India won the toss and opted to bat first against Netherlands. Riding on hundreds from Shreyas Iyer (128*) and KL Rahul (102) and half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (61), Shubman Gill (51) and Virat Kohli (51), the hosts piled up a massive 410/4 on the board.
Defending the huge total, the Indian bowlers bundled out the Dutch for 250 in 47.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah (2-33 in 9 overs), Mohammed Siraj (2-29 in 6 overs), Kuldeep Yadav (2-41 in 10 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-49 in 9 overs) returned with two wickets each.
The Men in Blue will now face New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on November 15.
