Cricbuzzzteam, In a dazzling display of batting prowess, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer lit up the 2023 World Cup with their stunning centuries, propelling India to a colossal total of 410/4 in 50 overs in their final group stage match against the Netherlands. The Indian team, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, showcased an unstoppable performance, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Opting to bat first, India’s top-order batsmen set the stage perfectly, with Rohit Sharma (61), Shubman Gill (51), and Virat Kohli (51) all contributing with impressive half-centuries. This laid a solid foundation for the explosive partnership between Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Both batsmen not only surpassed the 50-run mark but went on to achieve their maiden centuries in the World Cup.
KL Rahul’s record-breaking century
The duo’s formidable alliance flourished after the early contributions, as they systematically dismantled the Dutch bowling attack. Despite the challenging conditions, the Indian batters showcased their exceptional form, with KL Rahul achieving a remarkable feat. He broke the World Cup record for the fastest century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 62 balls. Interestingly, this record was previously held by Rohit Sharma, who had set it in the same edition with a century off 63 balls.
Here’s a quick look at the list of the fastest centuries by Indian players in World Cup history:
- KL Rahul vs Netherlands, 2023 – 62 balls
- Rohit Sharma vs Afghanistan, 2023 – 63 balls
- Virender Sehwag vs Bermuda, 2007 – 81 balls
- Virat Kohli vs Bangladesh, 2011 – 83 balls
Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, put an end to his wait for a century in the World Cup. Following a resilient performance against South Africa, where he scored 77 runs, Iyer continued his brilliant form, reaching the coveted three-figure mark in 84 balls.
The partnership between Iyer and Rahul was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a massive 208-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their outstanding performance propelled India beyond the 400-run mark, achieving a milestone that had only been accomplished once before in the history of Indian cricket in World Cup matches.
In the final over of the match, India reached a monumental score of 410/4, marking only the second instance where an Indian team surpassed the 400-run mark in a World Cup game. This remarkable achievement secured India the fifth-highest team score in the history of the World Cup.
With the target set at an imposing 411 runs, the Dutch team faced a daunting task. The Indian side, with their dominating performance, made a triumphant exit for the group stage highly unlikely for the Netherlands. The Indian batsmen’s extraordinary display of skill and determination not only solidified their position in the tournament but also left a lasting impact on the World Cup’s history.
India’s commanding performance, fueled by KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant centuries, showcased the team’s batting depth and resilience. The records broken and milestones achieved in this match added a new chapter to Indian cricket’s rich history in the World Cup, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts in awe of the team’s outstanding achievements.