After losing the first two matches of the ongoing ODI World Cup, Australia bounced back remarkably and registered three back-to-back wins. On Wednesday (October 25), they defeated Netherlands by 309 runs to solidify their place in the top four, after being at the bottom of the table at one point.
Here’s what losing skipper Scott Edwards said:
They are a quality side, we should have been better today. Execution (what could have been done better with ball). You miss by fractions and you get out of the park. Full credit to the Aussies. We got back in a bit there with 10 overs to go. Maxwell got going and we couldn’t stop him. Pretty nice wicket here and ball travels so quickly. Those two (opening batters) were awesome for us for the last 18 months and one of the reasons why we are here so we back them all the way. Just touch on things to improve and move on quickly from this and prepare ourselves for the next game.
Here’s what winning skipper Pat Cummins said:
Really happy, complete game. To put 400 on board and then defend well, couldn’t be happier. Crazy innings. I think we both contributed equally in that hundred partnership (chuckles). Fantastic innings, the cleanest hitting I’ve seen. We played the style we liked to. Please with Smithy getting runs. We were aiming for powerplay wickets, bowled quite well without a lot of luck. Zamps with another four-fer. They (New Zealand) are a really good side.. Big game in Dharamsala. It’s the World Cup and we are in a good space, can’t wait to get there. (Areas to improve) I don’t think we have totally nailed the 50 overs with the bat yet.
Here’s what POTM Glenn Maxwell said:
(Fastest WC hundred record) Not something I set out to do. Just situation of the game. Wanted to put a good platform for the back end and cash in on this ground. Ball can run away quite quickly. Nice to get in rhythm. (What clicked) Just making good decisions. Give myself a little bit of time and give myself a bit of confidence and platform. (Going forward) Huge confidence booster knowing I’ve got that in my locker. Doubts can creep in when not scoring consistently but good to score this. (Clinical?) Close to the perfect game if you score 400 and bowl them out for under 400. Lot of guys got to have a hit. We’ve had three really good wins in a row.
