New Delhi, Oct 25: With David Warner and Glenn Maxwell hitting centuries, Australia set a massive 400-run target before Netherlands in the 24th match of the ICC ODI Men's World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, here on Wednesday.
In reply, the Netherlands were struggling at 86/8 in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Australia scored 399/8 in 50 overs. Opener Warner (104 in 93 balls) and Maxwell (106 in 44 balls) dazzled with tons. Steven Smith (71) and Maruns Labuschagne (62) too joined the party with useful half centuries.
At the start of Australian innings, opener Mitchell Marsh was back in the pavilion after scoring 9 in 15 balls. Marsh was caught at mid-on by Colin Ackermann trying to play an ambitious lofted shot against Logan van Beek.
Experienced duo of Warner and Smith, then steadied the Australian innings. But after scoring 71 (68 balls, nine 4s and one 6), Smith trying to cut a delivery of Ayan Dutt, was caught by Reolof van der Merwe.
Warner was soon joined in the middle by Marnus Labuschagne. But after scoring an impressive 47-ball 62, with seven boundaries and two big hits over the fence, Labuschagne was out too. He was caught by Aryan Dutt at mid-on off right arm pacer Bas de Leede.
Keeper Josh Inglish was removed again by Bas de Leede, while trying to clear the deep midwicket fence. Sybrand Engelbrecht took a well judged reverse cup catch.
Centurion Warner also went back after excellent contribution of 104. The left-handed Aussie opener hit 11 boundaries and three huge sixes. Logan van Beek got his wicket, as Dutt grabbed his second catch in the day at fine leg.
All-rounder Cameroon Green, who made a return to the Aussie squad, could contribute only 8, before being run out by Sybrand Engelbrecht.
But, it was Maxwell's hurricane 105 in just 44 balls that demoralised the Dutch attack. He hit 9 fours and 8 sixes.
Logan van Beek with 4/74 was the most successful bowler for the Netherlands. Bas de Leede was expensive, but got two scalps, while Aryan Dutt had one wicket against his name.
Australia included all-rounder Cameroon Green in their playing XI and left out Marcus Stoinis. But first choice keeper and Mathew Wade was still not available for selection.
Prior to this match, both sides had played four matches each and won two. The winner of this match would definitely be able to keep their Semi-finals hopes alive.
Australia XI:
Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.
Netherlands XI:
Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (captain and wicket-keeper), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren.
(Match Unfinished)
