In a recent ICC contest held in Delhi, Australia posted an impressive total of 399 runs, largely powered by standout performances from their key batsmen, including David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss on a flat track, Australian openers made a strong start. However, in the fourth over, Netherlands’ bowler Van Beek managed to dismiss the Australian skipper Pat Cummins for just 9 runs. Despite this early setback, David Warner and Steven Smith played with great aggression and composure, laying a solid foundation for the team. They reached the 100-run mark within 16 overs, with both batsmen also completing their respective half-centuries during their partnership of 132 runs.
In the 24th over, Australia reached a score of 160, but Smith was eventually dismissed after contributing 71 runs. Marnus Labuschagne, who replaced Smith, joined forces with Warner to further accelerate the innings, adding significant runs to the scoreboard. Labuschagne achieved his half-century, scoring 62 runs off 47 balls.
By the 37th over, Australia’s total had reached 244 when Labuschagne was dismissed. Meanwhile, David Warner completed a remarkable century, featuring three sixes and 11 boundaries. However, in the subsequent overs, the Netherlands managed to take two quick wickets, including Josh Inglis (14) and Warner himself, who scored 104. At this point, Australia’s score was 267 for 5 in the 40th over.
Despite these quick dismissals, Glenn Maxwell emerged as the star of the innings. He played a scintillating knock, featuring rapid boundaries. Maxwell achieved the second-fastest half-century of the World Cup 2023, taking just 27 balls, which included two sixes and six boundaries. After reaching his half-century, Maxwell accelerated even further, swiftly approaching his century.
In the 49th over, Maxwell unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, completing his century in just 40 balls. This century was the fastest in the World Cup competition by any batsman. Maxwell was eventually dismissed by Van Beek for 106 in the 50th over. By the end of their innings, Australia had amassed a total of 393 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
Logan van Beek was the most successful bowler for the Netherlands, taking four wickets in his 10-over spell. Bas de Leede managed to take two wickets but proved to be expensive, conceding 115 runs, marking the most expensive bowling performance in his ODI history. Aryan Dut also contributed with one wicket.
