India completed their Group A campaign with a 17-run victory over the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, finishing on 193 for 6 before restricting the Dutch side to 176 for 7 in their 20 overs. The result ensured India carried winning momentum into the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Dube’s Counterattack Lifts India
After being asked to bat, India faced early resistance from the Netherlands’ disciplined new-ball approach. The visitors varied their pace cleverly and denied room during the powerplay, picking up key wickets to keep the scoring rate in check.
Shivam Dube then shifted the tempo decisively. Walking in during the middle overs, he combined power with calculated aggression, striking 66 from 31 deliveries. His innings featured clean hits down the ground and decisive strokes against spin, allowing India to accelerate after a steady start.
Hardik Pandya added late impetus with a brisk 30, while Suryakumar Yadav contributed a measured 34. India’s total was built on sustained pressure rather than a single explosive phase, highlighted by 13 sixes across the innings.
Dutch Fightback Shows Character
Chasing 194, the Netherlands approached the task with intent. Their openers navigated a testing spell from Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, who extracted movement under lights.
Varun Chakravarthy disrupted the chase with crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, while Hardik Pandya provided control with variations. Bas de Leede and Noah Croes attempted to keep the equation manageable, but the required rate steadily climbed.
With 28 needed from the final over, Dube was entrusted with closing duties and responded calmly, conceding only what was necessary to seal the contest.
Key Performers
Shivam Dube: 66 (31)
- Varun Chakravarthy: Key middle-over wickets
- Hardik Pandya: All-round impact
- Bas de Leede: Top scorer for Netherlands
Match Summary
India once again demonstrated depth across departments. While not flawless, their ability to recover from brief setbacks and maintain control during critical phases proved decisive. The Netherlands, meanwhile, showed discipline and resilience, competing strongly against one of the tournament favourites.
As India advance to the next round, this result reinforces their consistency while also highlighting areas to refine ahead of sterner challenges.
Brief Score
India: 193/6 (20 overs)
Netherlands: 176/7 (20 overs)
Result: India won by 17 runs
