IND vs NED: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul's 100s give Indian fans a Diwali to remember in Bengaluru

Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul showcased their prowess, contributing to India's formidable total of 410 for 4 against the Netherlands in Match 45 of the ODI World Cup 2023.

Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul

The M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed a run-fest, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli setting the stage with half-centuries, followed by a century spectacle from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the final league match of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian middle-order duo showcased their prowess, contributing to India's formidable total of 410 for 4 against the Netherlands in Match 45.

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Iyer's magnificent century, marked by a powerful pull shot for a single, was his debut World Cup hundred. This achievement also broke the streak of a century drought by an Indian middle-order batsman in World Cups since Suresh Raina's 110* against Zimbabwe in the 2015 edition. It was also the first ton by India's No.4 in World Cups since Yuvraj Singh's 113 runs against West Indies at Chennai in the 2011 edition.

KL Rahul's rapid century, achieved in just 62 balls, set a new record for the fastest century in ODI World Cups and propelled India past the 400-run mark.

Fastest century for India in World Cups (by balls):

62 - KL Rahul vs NED, today*

63 - Rohit Sharma v AFG, 2023

81 - Virender Sehwag v BER, 2007

83 - Virat Kohli v BAN, 2011

The twin centuries by the Indian batsmen have undeniably presented Indian fans with the perfect Diwali delight, illuminating the atmosphere with their boundary-laden performances.

Opting to bat first, Rohit Sharma and opening partner Shubman Gill initiated a dazzling start, with Gill reaching his half-century in a brisk 30 balls before departing at 51 off 32. The opening partnership reached 100 runs in 11.5 overs, setting the stage for Virat Kohli's entry amid thunderous cheers from the Bengaluru crowd.

Following Kohli's arrival, Rohit Sharma also notched his half-century. Despite Kohli's initial challenges, he found his rhythm alongside Shreyas Iyer, forming a partnership of over 50 runs for the third wicket. Kohli achieved another half-century but was dismissed shortly afterwards.

Maintaining the momentum, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul both secured half-centuries, creating a historic moment in a World Cup match where all five top-order batsmen in a team achieved fifty runs.

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