Guwahati: India defeated the Netherlands to a respectable 179/2 in 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from top hitters Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav at the 2017 ICC T20 World Cup, on Thursday.
When India batted first, they got off to a rough start when opener KL Rahul was caught leg before the wicket by medium bowler Paul van Meekeren for 9 off 12 balls. India scored 11 runs in 2.4 overs.
In the third over, star batsman Virat Kohli joined Rohit Sharma at the crease. Without another wicket falling, the pair successfully guided India through the powerplay.
The Netherlands’ excellent line and length, though managed to contain Indian batsmen. India stood at 32/1 after six overs, with Kohli (6*) and Rohit (16*) batting.
Although both batters did hit some significant shots, they had trouble connecting with the ball and large outfields forced them to settle for doubles. The pair scored their 50-run stand in 41 balls, surviving numerous errant hits and failed catches.
India was at a respectable 67/1 after 10 overs thanks to Rohit (42*) and Kohli (14*). Now was the time to shift their inning into high gear.
Rohit Sharma blasted his 29th four in the format to reach his half-century in 35 balls. On the other hand, Kohli was still unable to score a boundary. After Rohit was caught by Colin Ackermann at deep midwicket off a delivery from medium bowler Fred Klassen, the pair’s 75-run partnership was terminated.
The captain hit four boundaries and three sixes in his 53 off 39 balls. After joining Kohli at the crease, Suryakumar Yadav hit a straight four over the bowler’s head to end his own lack of boundaries.
Suryakumar’s four helped India reach 100 runs in 13.2 overs. With the support of Kohli (32*) and Suryakumar (17*), Men in Blue were able to reach 114/2 in 15 overs as Suryakumar continued to display an excellent repertoire of shots. India benefitted from the 16th over, scoring 14 runs.
Virat continued his impressive play in the following over to score his 35th run in the format and his second consecutive fifty in the event in only 36 balls. 17.5 overs were lost in the 17th over.
Suryakumar’s boundary enabled India to reach 150 runs in 17.5 overs.
India was able to reach 179/2 in 20 overs because to the continued run-scoring of Suryakumar and Virat. Suryakumar scored six on the final ball to bring up his fifty. Suryakumar concluded with 51* off 25 balls with seven fours and a six, while Virat finished with 62* off 44 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. In 48 balls, the pair put together an unbroken 95-run stand.