World Cup 2023: We should have better with our bowling execution – Scott Edwards after huge loss against Australia

The Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards feels they lacked in their bowling execution against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday after they were hammered by a mammoth margin of 309 runs, the biggest loss ever in World Cup history.

Australia posted a gargantuan score of 399 runs on a batting paradise after David Warner and Glenn Maxwell scored fine centuries. Warner continued his rich form as he scored 104 runs off just 93 balls and this was his second consecutive century in the ongoing World Cup.

Subsequently, Glenn Maxwell once again had the license to play with the long handle after Warner had laid down the foundation. Maxwell smashed a 40-ball century, which is the fastest in World Cup history. Moreover, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne scored 71 and 62 runs respectively as Australia came up with an explosive batting display.

The Netherlands’ bowlers could not execute their plans, especially in the death overs as they were taken apart by Glenn Maxwell. Australia scored 132 runs off the last 66 balls as Maxwell did the bulk of the damage. Barring Colin Ackermann, all the Dutch bowlers took a beating against Australia.

In fact, Bas de Leede conceded 115 runs in his quota of 10 overs and he was taken for 28 runs in the penultimate over of the innings by Glenn Maxwell.

Scott Edwards said in the post-match presentation, “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.”

He added, “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.”

The Netherlands will next take on Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.