Xtra Time Web Desk: India continued its winning momentum in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 as they beat Netherlands by 56-run in Super 12 clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday night. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav helped India post 179/2. In reply, the bowlers restricted Netherlands to just 123/9.
Chasing a target of 180 against a top Indian bowling line-up proved difficult for the Netherlands. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel all picked two wickets each.
Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. But India were off to a shaky start as they lost opener KL Rahul for 9 off 12 balls. Paul van Meekeren trapped Rahul leg before reducing India to 11/1 in 2.4 overs.
Virat Kohli, who was the star in the first game against Pakistan, once again played confidently as he along with Rohit Sharma put on 75 runs. The Indian captain was back among runs as he scored 53 runs off 39 balls. Rohit’s knock was studded with four boundaries and three sixes.
Suryakumar Yadav joined Kohli on the crease and the duo played some brilliant shots to take the total to 179/2. Virat finished with 62* off 44 balls with three boundaries and two sixes while Suryakumar finished with 51* off 25 balls with seven fours and a six. The duo formed an unbeaten 95-run stand in 48 balls.
The Men in Blue will next take on South Africa at the Optus stadium in Perth on Saturday.