After captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first, Abhishek faced some delay in taking guard. He was initially seen in Arshdeep Singh’s jersey before making a belated switch to Siraj’s. After commentary, Nasser Hussain and Sunil Gavaskar suggested that the left-hander had forgotten his player’s jersey at the team hotel, necessitating a last-minute adjustment.
Speculation soon followed on social media. Having already faced the US and Pakistan, some fans wondered if the jersey change was motivated by superstition seeking a change in fortunes.
However, those hopes did not materialize as Abhishek was dismissed for the third time in a row, again canceled out by off-spin. Dutch spinner Aryan Dutt followed a clear plan, creating space with deliveries at 96.3 kmph and 96.4 kmph before firing into a quicker slider of 99 kmph on middle and leg stump. Abhishek cleared his front leg and tried to pull but was bowled, mirroring his dismissal against Pakistan.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson had previously revealed that his side spent several hours planning that wicket, a method that the Netherlands appeared to successfully replicate, and against the US the left-hander was caught at extra cover following some brilliant field placement by the US.
Despite the early setback, India recovered strongly to post a competitive 193. The innings was powered by an exceptional half-century from Shivam Dube, who counter-attacked through the middle overs, while Hardik Pandya provided a late boost with a burst of clean hitting at the death.
In reply, the Netherlands fought hard but were kept in check by the Indian bowlers and eventually finished on 176. India sealed a 17-run win and rounded off their group campaign with another win.
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