Skipper Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar struck impressive half-centuries
as India powered their way to a massive 182-run victory over minnows the Netherlands
in their first warm-up game in the lead-up to the Cricket World Cup here.
Apart from setting the mood perfectly for the tournament proper,
this match provided an opportunity to the Indians to acclimatise with the conditions
in the Caribbean.
After setting an uphill target of 301 to win, the Indians bundled out their
opponents only for 118 runs in 37.5 overs to script a convincing win yesterday.
Batting first, India were off to a good start with Sourav
Ganguly and Virender Sehwag scoring 60 runs for the opening stand.
But the top order squandered the advantage due to poor shot selection and at
one stage India were looking vulnerable at 82 for 3.
However, Dravid and Tendulkar batted sensibly to set the platform
for a big total after the mini collapse.
The veteran duo steadied the innings and tried to gather runs at a decent pace,
adding 116 runs for the fourth wicket.
Tendulkar's run-a-ball innings was attractive as he punished
the inexperienced Dutch bowlers, belting five fours and two sixes during his
knock of 61.
Dravid, who provided a solid support to Tendulkar, subtly switched
to aggressive mode and played some entertaining shots. His 74 came off 92 balls
and was studded with five boundaries and two lofty sixes.
However, Dutchman R ten Doeschate stole the show with his five-wicket
haul followed by a gritty 31.
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