ODI World Cup 2023: Mitchell Starc Impresses With Hat-trick In Rain-Marred Warm-Up Game Against Netherlands

Against the Netherlands in a rain-affected warm-up match for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Mitchell Starc completed an incredible hat-trick to demonstrate Australia's bowling strength. Rain continued until the afternoon, reducing the Thiruvananthapuram match to 23 overs per side, but Starc's incredible performance made it unforgettable.

The Netherlands were expecting for a solid start as they chased a target of 167, but Starc had other ideas.

He set up his hat-trick with his first ball of the innings, bowling Wesley Barresi after trapping Max O'Dowd LBW for a duck. At the start of his second over, Starc finished his hat-trick, smashing Bas de Leede's stumps.

The Netherlands put up some resistance thanks to Colin Ackermann's undefeated 31, but additional rain arrived in the 15th over, leaving the Netherlands at 84 for six and the match drawing to a standstill.

Josh Inglis was out of the game in the second over for Australia, who were batting first. Nevertheless, Alex Carey and Steve Smith put on a 57-run combination until Carey was dismissed for 28 by Roelof van der Merwe.

Smith, who played for Australia in the 2015 World Cup, led the way with a smooth fifty-five, with all-rounders Cameron Green (34) and Starc (24).

Scores in brief

Australia 166/7 v Netherlands 84/6 at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram – No Result

Australia 166/7 in 23 overs (Steve Smith 55, Cameron Green 34; Roelof van der Merwe 2/12, Bas de Leede 2/25) v Netherlands 84/6 (Colin Ackermann 31 not out, Scott Edwards 14; Mitchell Starc 3/18, Sean Abbott 1/10)