India vs Netherlands: Turning Point & Top Performers

There was never any chance of the Netherlands defeating India on Wednesday. The co-hosts were on top of the table with five points from three matches while the Netherlands were at the bottom of the table with three losses in three games. The disparity between the teams was evident as soon as one went through the line-ups but the Netherlands were not going to go down without a fight.

The top order concentrated on keeping the singles and twos coming while eschewing anything that resembled even the slightest risk. They were unduly deferential to the spin bowlers in particular but at 99 for two after 28 overs, at least some kind of foundation had been laid for a competitive total. Ryan ten Doeschate who had shone with a splendid century against England was still there while Tom Cooper was going along well.

The Indian bowling was steady without looking penetrative and from the Netherlands viewpoint there was always the hope that with wickets in hand a calculated onslaught could be launched towards the last stages of the innings. It was at this stage that ten Doeschate got a sudden rush of blood in his head and gave Yuvraj Singh the charge.

Text: Partab Ramchand

Images: AP

Image: Indian team members Yusuf Pathan, left, and Virat Kohli, right, congratulate Yuvraj Singh, center, after he dismissed Netherlands' Ryan ten Doeschate, unseen, during the Group B Cricket World Cup match between India and Netherlands in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, March 9, 2011.

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