The Netherlands suffers heavy defeat against Australia

Australia opted for batting. The Netherlands started with two offspinners, Dutt and Ackermann. Four identical balls from Dutt resulted in as many square cuts for four from a destructive-looking David Warner.

Logically, Edwards quickly turned to the pace option. That worked; Logan van Beek immediately picked up Mitch Marsh off a failed pull shot (28/1). Despite good first overs from Van Beek and Van Meekeren, the Australian score steadily increased. Small errors in line and length were mercilessly punished. Apart from a big run-out chance for Max O'Dowd, Warner (then at 32) and Smith didn't give much away, quietly working on a partnership of 132 for the second wicket.

With Warner at 73, Roelof van der Merwe seemed to grab a brilliant catch at short extra cover. However, the third umpire gave the benefit of the doubt to the batsman, much to the disappointment of the numerous Dutch fans. Something similar happened on Dutt's bowling : brilliant catch Van der Merwe (now fielding at backward point), given out this time. Smith 71.

An apparent edge plopped into the grass for O'Dowd off Labuschagne's helmet. Two ultra-thin edges saved Labuschagne at LBW shouts. Eventually Bas de Leede got him out thanks to a good catch by Dutt at mid on (244/3). Inglis was caught by Engelbrecht's on the legside boundary. Warner (104, excellent catch by Dutt at long leg) let the Dutch bleed for the two missed opportunities. Engelbrecht caused a brilliant run out (Green, in the team for Stoinis) with a direct hit (290/6).

The Netherlands showed fighting spirit, but had no answer to Glenn Maxwell. The powerhitter took advantage of a dropped catch by Nidamanuru and sprinted to a fantastic 106 (off just 44 balls) in the closing overs, the fastest World Cup century ever. In doing so, he helped Australia to a monster score of 399/8. The 49th over from Bas de Leede (2-115) went for 27 runs. Catches by Ackermann and (again) Engelbrecht in the final over helped Van Beek take 4-74. Van Meekeren (0-64) and Van der Merwe (0-41) bowled better than their figures suggest. Despite the high total, the Dutch ground fielding was excellent.

Netherlands innings

That making 400 runs on a world-class attack would always be a tall order was obvious. However, Vikram Singh got off to a fantastic start, hitting three boundaries off Josh Hazlewood’s first over. O'Dowd, on the other hand, did not look comfortable and became the first victim of Mitchell Starc. After several beautiful drives, Singh (25) made a mistake and ran himself out (37/2).

Ackermann and De Leede were given LBW. Engelbrecht (11) appeared to hit Marsh for six, but Warner timed his jump on the square leg boundary to perfection (62/5). The other batsmen had a particularly hard time facing legspinner Adam Zampa, who dismissed the tail and took 4-8. It was telling that Scott Edwards remained not out with 12, batting at six.

The Dutch have two days to lick their wounds, analyse, evaluate, and regroup. On Saturday, Bangladesh awaits in Kolkata.

Photo credit: ICC/Getty