More from this ICC World Cup 2023
Aryan Dutt made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Mark Chapman in the 45th over, leaving Tom Latham as New Zealand’s lone specialist batsman. However, the Netherlands missed an opportunity to contain New Zealand to under 300 runs. Prior to that, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra both notched half-centuries, combining for a partnership of 77 runs in 14 overs for the second wicket. New Zealand’s innings was characterized by several solid partnerships rather than a few explosive ones.
The Netherlands struggled to gain momentum in their chase and ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 223. This victory allowed New Zealand to strengthen their position at the top of the points table, making it two wins in two matches.
In the Netherlands’ innings, the only time they appeared to be progressing steadily was when Ackermann and Teja Nidamanuru put together a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, the partnership was disrupted by a late decision from Ackermann to send Nidamanuru back after attempting a second run, resulting in Nidamanuru’s run-out.
Rachin Ravindra continued his fine form, adding a half-century against the Netherlands to his career-best 123* against England. He maintained a strike rate of 100 and was eventually dismissed when an agile Scott Edwards made a sharp catch to his right off the bowling of Roelof van der Merwe in the 33rd over.
One of the highlights of Ravindra’s innings was his ability to squeeze a low and dipping full toss, located just outside off, for a four between point and short third. In the previous over, he had a stroke of luck when the umpire turned down the Netherlands’ appeal for lbw after a yorker from Ryan Klein seemed to trap him in front, only for replays to confirm the umpire’s call regarding the leg stump. Additionally, Devon Conway received a reprieve when he was dropped on 22 by debutant Sybrand Engelbrecht just two balls later.
Tom Latham displayed remarkable resilience while facing the Netherlands’ bowlers. Despite a slow start of 1 run off 5 balls in the first 34 overs, he quickly shifted gears, hammering 53 runs from 46 deliveries. The pitch’s slow and gripping nature posed difficulties for all the incoming batsmen, with the exception of Latham, who managed to adapt and score effectively.
Player-of-the-Match Mitchell Santner delivered a stellar all-around performance, smashing an unbeaten 36 runs from 17 balls with the bat and then taking 5 wickets for 59 runs with the ball. In doing so, he became the first New Zealand spinner to secure a five-wicket haul in a men’s ODI World Cup.
Santner’s effectiveness on the spin-friendly pitch lay in his ability to consistently vary his pace, making him a significant threat. One of the key moments was his dismissal of Scott Edwards. Santner utilized a slower delivery with a wide line outside off on the fifth ball of the 35th over to tempt Edwards. The Netherlands captain had previously scored 12 runs off the three preceding deliveries, which included a six and a four. With the required run rate escalating, Edwards attempted a slog across the line, resulting in the ball ballooning back towards Santner. This wicket, with the Netherlands at 174 for 6, effectively extinguished any remaining hopes of an upset.
More from this ICC World Cup 2023
