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Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team continued their dominant run in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with a commanding 160-run victory over the Netherlands at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, November 12. In doing so, Rohit and his boys secured their ninth consecutive win in the group stage. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul (102 off 64) showcased exceptional batting performances, with Shreyas remaining unbeaten on 128 off 94 balls and Rahul smashing a 62-ball century, the fastest by an Indian in World Cup history.

Batting first, India posted an imposing total of 410-4, the second-highest in their World Cup history. Despite the top three, including Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, all scoring fifties, the spotlight was on Virat Kohli's quest for his 50th ODI century, but he fell for 51. Shreyas and Rahul's partnership, accumulating 208 runs in Bengaluru, propelled India to a formidable total.

In response, the Netherlands had a decent start, with Max O'Dowd (30 off 42) and Colin Ackermann (35 off 32) impressing in the powerplay. However, regular wickets hindered their progress, and they were eventually bowled out for 250. There were useful contributions from Teja Nidamanuru (54 off 39 balls) and Sybrand Engelbrecht (45 off 80 balls) but that was not enough.  

Indian captain Rohit Sharma tried several bowling options including Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav and himself as well. Both Virat and Rohit picked a wicket each.

With qualification secured, India looks ahead to a semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on November 15, eager to overcome their last-four hurdle and clinch their first ICC title since 2011. Despite the absence of a Kohli century, India's strong team performance and depth make them formidable contenders in the upcoming knockout stages.