WATCH: Australia pacer Mitchell Starc bags a hat-trick against Netherlands before rain plays spoilsport – ODI World Cup 2023 warm-up match

In a rain-interrupted warm-up match for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia’s speedster Mitchell Starc showcased his brilliance by claiming a stunning hat-trick against the Netherlands. While the match was marred by intermittent showers, Starc’s fiery spell brought much excitement to the truncated contest.

Rain Alters Match Dynamics

Persistent afternoon rain in Thiruvananthapuram forced a reduction in the game’s duration, limiting it to just 23 overs per side. Unfortunately, the adverse weather conditions also led to the abandonment of the day’s other scheduled match between India and England without a single ball being bowled.

Starc’s Hat-Trick Heroics

Defending 166, Starc ripped through the Dutch top order, removing Max O’Dowd and Wesley Barresi on the last two deliveries of his first over. The left-arm pacer achieved his remarkable hat-trick at the beginning of his second over, dismissing an unsuspecting Bas de Leede. His lethal pace and pinpoint accuracy disrupted the Netherlands’ batting rhythm, and he continued to be a menacing presence throughout his spell.

Here’s the video:

Mitch starc Mitch starc-ing in a worldcup 💛

A hattrick 💥

— 🔁 (@Tutterdotcom)

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Resilience from the Netherlands

Colin Ackermann provided some resistance for the Netherlands with an unbeaten 31, attempt🍒ing to stabilize the innings. However, rain 🐈once again intervened in the 15th over, with the Netherlands at 84 for six, denying a conclusive result.

Australia’s Batting Display

Earlier in the day, Australia won the toss and elected to bat. The Australian openers faced an early setback as Josh Inglis departed in just the second over. However, a 57-run partnership between Steve Smith and Alex Carey steadied the innings. Carey contributed 28 runs before being bowled by Roelof van der Merwe.

Smith anchored the Australian innings with an impressive 55 off 42 balls. He received valuable support from all-rounder Cameron Green, who scored 34, and Starc, adding 24 runs to the total.

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