Australian skipper Pat Cummins feels they are starting to play to their potential in the ongoing World Cup 2023 after their mammoth 309-run win against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday. Australia had lost their opening two matches against India and South Africa but bounced back strongly against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.
The Aussies can never be written off in big tournaments like the World Cup and they are once again proving their mettle at the top level. Australia posted a huge score of 399 runs on the board, courtesy of centuries from David Warner and Glenn Maxwell. Warner scored 104 runs whereas Maxwell smashed the fastest World Cup hundred off just 40 balls.
“Just about the complete game. Couldn’t be happier. We are starting to play to our potential and play in the style we talk about. We had another good batting powerplay,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith got back into form as he scored a fine knock of 71 runs.
On the other hand, the Dutch were skittled out for a paltry score of 90 runs, and thus lost by the biggest margin in World Cup history. The Men in Orange kept losing wickets at regular intervals and they could not show enough resistance with the bat as Adam Zampa bagged another four-wicket haul, returning with impressive figures of 4-8.
Cummins added, “Pleased with Smithy getting runs. We were aiming for powerplay wickets, bowled quite well without a lot of luck. Zamps with another four-fer. They (New Zealand) are a really good side. Big game in Dharamsala. It’s the World Cup and we are in a good space, can’t wait to get there.”
Speaking on areas to improve, “I don’t think we have totally nailed the 50 overs with the bat yet.”
Australia will next take on New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Saturday.
