ODI World Cup 2023: Australia vs Netherlands, 24th ODI - Who Said What?

After losing the first two matches of the ongoing ODI World Cup, Australia bounced back remarkably and registered three back-to-back wins. On Wednesday (October 25), they defeated Netherlands by 309 runs to solidify their place in the top four, after being at the bottom of the table at one point.

Batting first in Delhi, David Warner gave a perfect start to Australia. The southpaw hit an incredible century, while Steven Smith hit 71 runs. After struggling for the majority part of the tournament, Smith getting some runs will boost his morale for the rest of the tournament. Marnus Labuschagne too joined the party and hit 62 runs.

Here are the talking points from the match:

1. Glenn Maxwell smacked the fastest century in the history of ODI World Cups

Towards the fag end of the innings, Glenn Maxwell's show began as he registered the fastest century in the history of the ODI World Cup. The 35-year-old completed his century in just 40 deliveries as Australia went on to post 399 runs on board in the first innings.

2. Australian bowlers collectively decimated Netherlands' batting line-up

When it came to the chase, The Netherlands struggled to get going. Vikramjit Singh gave a good start, but wickets kept on falling one after the other before the Netherlands eventually collapsed. All the Aussie bowlers managed to pick up at least a wicket each and hence, that too will give the team a lot of confidence going forward.

Here's what losing skipper Scott Edwards said:

They are a quality side, we should have been better today. Execution (what could have been done better with ball). You miss by fractions and you get out of the park. Full credit to the Aussies. We got back in a bit there with 10 overs to go. Maxwell got going and we couldn't stop him. Pretty nice wicket here and ball travels so quickly. Those two (opening batters) were awesome for us for the last 18 months and one of the reasons why we are here so we back them all the way. Just touch on things to improve and move on quickly from this and prepare ourselves for the next game.

Here's what winning skipper Pat Cummins said:

Really happy, complete game. To put 400 on board and then defend well, couldn't be happier. Crazy innings. I think we both contributed equally in that hundred partnership (chuckles). Fantastic innings, the cleanest hitting I've seen. We played the style we liked to. Please 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. (Areas to improve) I don't think we have totally nailed the 50 overs with the bat yet.

Here's what POTM Glenn Maxwell said:

(Fastest WC hundred record) Not something I set out to do. Just situation of the game. Wanted to put a good platform for the back end and cash in on this ground. Ball can run away quite quickly. Nice to get in rhythm. (What clicked) Just making good decisions. Give myself a little bit of time and give myself a bit of confidence and platform. (Going forward) Huge confidence booster knowing I've got that in my locker. Doubts can creep in when not scoring consistently but good to score this. (Clinical?) Close to the perfect game if you score 400 and bowl them out for under 400. Lot of guys got to have a hit. We've had three really good wins in a row.