India will look to complete the league phase with a flawless record when they meet the Netherlands in their final Group A fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. With qualification for the Super Eight already secured, the focus now shifts to rhythm, balance and sharpening combinations ahead of the knockout phase.
India Eye Strong Batting Display
Despite winning all three matches so far, India have not yet produced a complete batting performance. There have been individual contributions, but the top order will be keen to convert starts into a dominant total on what is traditionally a high-scoring surface in Ahmedabad.
Night games at this venue have consistently favoured batters, with recent first-innings totals crossing the 200-mark. If India bat first, this presents an opportunity to set a benchmark total and build further momentum before the next stage of the tournament.
One of the key talking points will be the form of the opening pair. A solid start could allow the middle order to play with greater freedom. The team management may also consider minor tactical changes depending on conditions, particularly in the bowling department.
Netherlands Seek Competitive Performance
The Netherlands have shown resilience in patches during the tournament and will aim to finish their campaign on a positive note. Their bowling plans have revolved around early control and disciplined lines, and they may again rely on spin options in the powerplay to disrupt India’s rhythm.
Rotations in the pace attack are likely as they manage workloads. The challenge, however, will be containing India’s stroke-makers on a surface known for value for shots.
Pitch and Conditions
Ahmedabad has offered consistent bounce and quick outfield conditions under lights. Captains winning the toss may prefer to bat first and apply scoreboard pressure, although chasing has also been manageable with dew occasionally playing a role.
What’s at Stake
For India, this match is about maintaining standards and carrying confidence into the Super Eight stage. For the Netherlands, it is a chance to test themselves against one of the tournament favourites and measure progress on the global stage.
With both sides approaching the contest with clear objectives, Ahmedabad could witness another high-scoring and competitive evening of T20 cricket.
India – Probable Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (CAP)
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
Key Notes:
- Strong left-right opening pair.
- Hardik + Dube provide middle-order power.
- Bumrah leads the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep.
- Spin options: Axar + Varun.
Netherlands – Probable Playing XI
- Michael Levitt
- Max O'Dowd
- Bas de Leede
- Colin Ackermann
- Scott Edwards (c & wk)
- Zach Lion-Cachet
- Logan van Beek
- Aryan Dutt
- Roelof van der Merwe
- Fred Klaassen
- Paul van Meekeren
Key Notes:
- Experience in the middle order with Edwards & Ackermann.
- Spin strength through Aryan Dutt & van der Merwe.
- Seam attack led by van Meekeren and Klaassen.
