There was much speculation before the game on whether Australia - smarting from having lost its number one ranking in one-day cricket to South Africa on the eve of the World Cup - would try to outdo the Proteas in clobbering the men in orange.
Whether such a possibility was discussed by the Aussies or no is unknown; out there in the field, the Aussies showed no signs that such an agenda was on their minds (in the event, they didn't - South Africa made 353/3 in 40 overs that day; Australia today made 358/5 in the full 50 overs).


Netherlands Batting:






What Australia looked to do, once Ricky Ponting won the toss and tripped over his tongue in his haste to opt for first strike, was give its top order a good, long hit. Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke and Brad Hodge capitalized; Mathew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey did not (though in defense of Hussey, he came out to bat in the 48th over, and had no opportunity to settle in).


Australia's Batting:




The Dutch did what they could, but their best is not even in the same zip code as good enough. Often, the ideas were right, the execution awry: for Ponting, for instance, they packed the off field, then fed him long hops on middle and leg, playing to his on side strength though clearly the intent was otherwise.