ODI World Cup 2023: Top 10 Memes from NZ vs NED, Match 6

New Zealand were up against the Netherlands in the sixth ODI World Cup 2023 match. Mitchell Santner emerged as the hero for New Zealand in a resounding 99-run victory over the Netherlands, and his exceptional all-round performance stole the spotlight in Hyderabad on Monday.

Batting first, New Zealand openers had a good start, and they took full advantage of an inexperienced bowling lineup and scored at will. Devon Conway was dismissed first, but then Will Young and Rachin Ravindra kept on scoring quite easily.

Mitchell Santner's contribution with the bat was great, as he scored 36 runs off just 17 balls. Alongside skipper Tom Latham's composed fifty, they propelled New Zealand to a formidable total. The final three overs of their innings saw a breathtaking onslaught, with Santner and Latham smashing 50 runs, including 13 off the final legal delivery due to a no-ball and a free hit; both sent for sixes. and in the end, New Zealand scored 322 runs in their 50 overs.

In pursuit of a daunting target of 323 runs, the Dutch batters struggled to gain momentum on a sluggish pitch that favoured spin. The formidable opening duo of Trent Boult and Matt Henry kept the Dutch openers in check, with Henry dismissing Vikramjit Singh early on. However, it was Santner who truly dazzled and delivered a masterclass in both batting and bowling.

But it was Santner's prowess with the ball that dismantled the Dutch chase. Operating with precision and accuracy, he rattled the opposition, scalping five crucial wickets, including prized dismissals of Max O'Dowd and Bas de Leede. The Dutch innings struggled to find any rhythm, with Colin Ackermann's valiant fifty being the sole highlight. His partnership with Teja Nidamanuru promised much but ended in a run-out mix-up.

Rachin Ravindra, providing support to Santner, bowled a tidy spell, suffocating the Dutch batters further. Netherlands' lack of intent and clarity in run chases was evident once more, as they failed to capitalise on the early powerplay overs. Despite a disciplined performance by the Dutch bowlers, New Zealand managed to accumulate crucial runs during the first powerplay and the last three overs, proving decisive in the end.

New Zealand's comprehensive victory underscored their ability to seize key moments in the game.