In a decisive match at Pune, England eliminated the Netherlands from the ODI World Cup 2023, securing a resounding victory by 160 runs. The defending champions, led by a stellar century from Ben Stokes, dominated the proceedings. With this win, England climbed to the 7th position on the points table, following their previous triumph over Bangladesh.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England posted a formidable total of 339 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs. The Netherlands, in response, struggled and was bowled out for 179 runs in 37.2 overs. England’s Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid played crucial roles, taking three wickets each. Ben Stokes, the centurion of the innings, was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match.
This victory not only marked England’s second win in the tournament but also sealed the fate of the Netherlands, joining Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in elimination. Conversely, India, South Africa, and Australia have secured spots in the semi-finals. Currently, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are vying for the remaining spot in the final four.
England’s journey in the World Cup took a dramatic turn. Starting with a defeat, the team faced a series of losses, eliminating them from semi-final contention. The last two matches, crucial for their pride and Champions League qualification, saw England reclaiming some ground, including the triumph over Bangladesh.
The English batting showcased a strong start, with Jonny Bairstow and Malan providing a solid foundation. Despite the early dismissal of Bairstow, Malan continued his onslaught, reaching his half-century in 37 balls. A significant partnership between Malan and Root, coupled with Malan’s aggressive play, set the stage for England’s imposing total.
The Netherlands, known for their fighting spirit in the World Cup, grappled with opening issues, compounded by David Willey’s effective bowling. Despite glimpses of resistance from Wesley Baresi and Sybrand Engelbrecht, England’s spinners dismantled the lower order. Moeen’s crucial wicket of captain Scott Edwards proved pivotal, triggering a collapse that led to Netherlands’ dismissal for 179 runs.
England’s redemption in the later stages of the tournament adds an interesting twist to the World Cup narrative, setting the stage for the remaining battles as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
Highest partnership for 7th or lower wickets in World Cup history
202* – Cummins & Maxwell (AUS) v Australia, 2023
130 – Engelbrecht & van Beek (NED) v Sri Lanka, 2023
129 – Stokes & Woakes (ENG) v Netherlands, 2023
Most wickets for Netherlands in ODI World Cup
14 – Tim de Leede
14 – Bas de Leede