Cricket World Cup 2023: New Zealand beat Netherlands to continue winning start

New Zealand continued their perfect start to the Men's Cricket World Cup with a dominant 99-run win over the Netherlands in Hyderabad.

After being put in, the Kiwis made 322-7 with opener Will Young, Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra all making fifties.

The Netherlands, who have lost their opening two games, were always behind the rate and lost regular wickets.

Colin Ackermann made 69 but they were bowled out for 223 in 46.3 overs, with Mitchell Santner taking 5-59.

New Zealand, who thrashed England in their opening game of the tournament, face Bangladesh on Friday at 09:30 BST, while the Netherlands play South Africa at the same time on 17 October.

Tuesday's World Cup matches see England play Bangladesh in Dharamshala from 06:00, before Pakistan face Sri Lanka at 09:30.

• All the best clips, reaction & analysis as New Zealand beat Netherlands in World Cup

• World Cup Daily: England need a win & NZ beat the Netherlands - listen on BBC Sounds

• World Cup 2023 schedule

Questions remain for consistent New Zealand

New Zealand are aiming to reach their third successive World Cup final and their campaign started with a statement nine-wicket hammering of England in Thursday's opening game.

This was less spectacular but more a return to the consistent and reliable cricket that they have become known for.

Young (70) and Ravindra's (51) place in the team may be under threat when captain Kane Williamson returns to the side - potentially in New Zealand's next match - but both were patient and particularly strong down the ground.

A total of well beyond 350 felt attainable at one stage, before it felt like they might be restricted to below 300.

Some powerful late-order hitting from Santner added 36 off 17 balls though, with the left-hander hitting two sixes from the final two balls of the innings.

New Zealand's patient approach may well be tested against better sides than the Netherlands, with more than 322 potentially required on some grounds in India.

Matt Henry (3-40) was again excellent with the new ball for New Zealand, bowling Vikram Singh after switching to round the wicket, before spinners Santner and Ravindra (1-46) chipped away at the Dutch batting.

Ackermann offered resistance with some fine strokes, particularly through the leg side, but a highest stand of 50 was never going to see them close to the required target.

There was also some extremely poor running, with Teja Nidamanuru run out to end that 50-run stand with Ackermann, while New Zealand also missed numerous opportunities for others.

Henry then demonstrated his ability at the death to have Sybrand Engelbrecht caught on the square-leg boundary, before bowling Aryan Dutt to wrap up the win.

The Netherlands have only won two of their 22 50-over World Cup matches and captain Scott Edwards may have to rethink their preferred strategy of chasing.

For New Zealand, it is now a question of how they shape their XI over the remainder of the competition with Williamson and pace bowler Tim Southee nearing a return.

All-rounder Mark Chapman may drop out with him making just five in this game, while he is yet to bowl in the tournament.

Their next two matches are in Chennai, which tends to favour spin, meaning leg-spinner Ish Sodhi could come into contention too.

'A job well done' - what they said

New Zealand captain Tom Latham: "We did a great job batting first, built partnerships at the top and the bowlers did a fantastic job tonight.

"The guys have bowled beautifully, we've tried to be proactive with the changes. The spinners were outstanding, Mitch bowled outstanding, it was fantastic for him to get his rewards. A job well done.

"We're not far away [from having a fully fit squad], it's great to see Kane [Williamson] back doing his thing. Tim [Southee] is progressing nicely. Fingers crossed next game, we will be fully available."

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards: "I thought we were pretty good for the first 47 overs and then they got away from us in the last three overs and it pushed the score a little bit further than we were hoping for.

"You're not going to chase 320 down with 40s, 50s and 60s. We'll speak about that with the guys and in the next couple of games we'll need to put on bigger scores and partnerships."

Player of the match, New Zealand's Mitchell Santner: "Not too bad! Credit to the boys up front with the bat, they gave us a good platform.

"The nature of the surfaces, it was nice tonight because there was a bit of purchase. I didn't bowl my best but it was nice to get some rewards.

"I've been lucky to be in India for a few years now and every time you play, you bank experience on different pitches. Today it was a little bit slow and that faster pace where it held in the wicket did a job."