Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul break Dhoni-Raina’s World Cup record with 208-run partnership against Netherlands | Cricket News
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul shared a 208-run stand for the 4th wicket. (Photo: AP)
New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul broke an ODI World Cup record held by the legendary MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina with their 208-run partnership against Netherlands on Sunday. Iyer and Rahul slammed centuries apiece as India produced a dominant batting display to post a huge total of 410/4 against the Dutch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India posted their second-highest total in the history of the ODI World Cup, closely missing out on posting their highest-ever total.
Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill once again got India off to a flying start after the hosts won the toss and opted to bat first. Rohit scored 61 off 54 balls while Gill slammed a quickfire 51 off just 32 balls as the duo shared a 100-run stand for the first wicket to set the tone for India. Virat Kohli continued his fine form and chipped in with a brilliant 51 before Iyer and Rahul stole the show with some phenomenal batting.
The duo looked in splendid touch and took the Netherlands bowlers to the cleaners to share a 208-run stand for the 4th wicket. While Iyer top-scored with a stellar knock of unbeaten 128 runs off just 94 balls, Rahul scored 102 off 64 balls, notching up the fastest-ever century by an Indian in ODI World Cup history. The 208-run partnership between the duo steered India past the 400-run mark and helped them post 410 runs on the board.
Also Read: India post 410/4 against Netherlands: A look at Men in Blue’s highest totals in ODI World Cup history
Rahul and Iyer also surpassed Dhoni and Raina to post the highest partnership for India for the 4th wicket or lower in the history of the ODI World Cup. Dhoni and Raina had shared a 196-run stand against Zimbabwe in Auckland in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
Highest partnerships for 4th wicket or below for India in ODI World Cup
208 – Shreyas Iyer & KL Rahul vs NED, Bengaluru, 2023
196* – MS Dhoni & Suresh Raina vs ZIM, Auckland, 2015
165 – Virat Kohli & KL Rahul vs AUS, Chennai, 2023*
Also Read: KL Rahul hits India’s fastest World Cup ton, Shreyas Iyer scores maiden century
India aim to continue winning streak in 2023 ODI World Cup
Having posted a mammoth total of 410 runs, India are already overwhelming favourites against Netherlands as they aim to continue their winning streak in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Men in Blue are yet to lose a game in the tournament having picked up eight wins in eight matches and will be hoping to make it nine wins in a row in Bengaluru on Sunday. India have already qualified for the semi-finals and are certain to finish on the top spot in the points table. They will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final on November 15.
ODI World Cup 2023: Full coverage
