India defeated Netherlands by 17 runs in a high-scoring T20 World Cup clash in Ahmedabad.
India national cricket team secured a 17-run win over Netherlands national cricket team in the 36th Match, Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on February 18.
Batting first, India posted 193/6 in 20 overs at a run rate of 9.65. The innings saw early setbacks as Abhishek Sharma fell for 0 and Ishan Kishan scored 18 before departing. Tilak Varma made 31 off 27 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 34.
The momentum shifted with a powerful knock from Shivam Dube, who smashed 66 off just 31 balls, hitting four fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 212.90. He added a crucial 76-run partnership with Hardik Pandya, who scored 30 off 21 balls. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 6 as India finished strongly.
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For the Netherlands, Aryan Dutt impressed with 2/19 in four overs, while Logan van Beek claimed 3/56. Chasing 194, the Netherlands fought hard but ended at 176/7 in 20 overs. Michael Levitt scored 24, Max O’Dowd added 20, and Bas de Leede made 33. Colin Ackermann struck 23, while Zach Lion-Cachet (26) and Noah Croes (25 not out) kept the chase alive in the final overs.
India Bounce Back With The Ball
However, India’s bowlers maintained control at key moments. Varun Chakravarthy led the attack with 3/14 in three overs, while Shivam Dube picked up 2/35. Jasprit Bumrah delivered an economical spell of 1/17, and Hardik Pandya chipped in with one wicket.
The Netherlands reached 150 in 18.2 overs but could not close the gap in the final stretch. India’s disciplined bowling ensured the target remained out of reach.
With this victory, India strengthened their position in Group A, while the Netherlands showed resilience despite falling short in a competitive encounter.
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