The India vs Netherlands clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (WCT20 2026) delivered an exciting encounter as cricket fans flocked to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 18 February 2026. This was Match 36 of Group A, and it carried significant importance for both teams as they sought momentum ahead of the Super Eight stage.
In a high-scoring thriller, India continued their unbeaten run by defeating the Netherlands by 17 runs — a result that cemented their position at the top of the group and showcased some brilliant individual performances from both sides.
🏏 Match Summary & Final Score
🧾 Final Scorecard
- India: 193/6 (20 overs)
- Netherlands: 176/7 (20 overs)
- Result: India won by 17 runs
- Player of the Match: Shivam Dube (India)
India’s total of 193/6 was competitive on a flat Ahmedabad wicket. In response, the Netherlands managed 176/7 in their full quota of overs but couldn’t quite keep up with the required run rate.
🇮🇳 India Innings Highlights
After winning the toss, India chose to bat first and post a challenging total on the board. The innings featured a mix of attacking hitting and smart partnerships.
🔥 Key Performances
- Shivam Dube: 66 off 31 balls — the backbone of India’s innings with powerful hitting and a strike rate above 200.
- Suryakumar Yadav: 34 off 28 balls – steady and stylish innings anchoring the middle overs.
- Tilak Varma: 31 off 27 balls – maintained momentum with sensible stroke play.
- Hardik Pandya: 30 off 21 — valuable contribution in the death overs.
Unfortunately, Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck (0), continuing his struggle in the tournament.
India finished strongly with aggressive intent, reaching 193/6 in 20 overs.
🇳🇱 Netherlands Chase
Chasing 194 was always going to be a tough task against a disciplined Indian bowling lineup.
🌟 Notable Netherlands Performances
- Bas de Leede: 33 (23) – showed intent with his shot-making.
- Zach Lion-Cachet: 26 (16) – scored quickly in the middle overs.
However, the Dutch batting lineup lost momentum at crucial stages and couldn’t keep up with the required run rate in the latter half of the innings.
🔥 Bowling Performances
🇮🇳 India Bowling
- Varun Chakravarthy: 3/14 — brilliant spin bowling that applied pressure and took key wickets.
- Shivam Dube: 2/35 — contributed with the ball as well, showing his all-round ability.
India’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, especially in the middle overs where restricting runs and picking wickets turned the match in India’s favor.
🌟 Player of the Match: Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was a clear standout on the day — his aggressive 66 off just 31 balls powered India to a strong total and laid the foundation for the team’s victory. His performance highlighted his ability as a dangerous middle-order batter and utility bowler, earning him the Player of the Match honor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🏆 Q1: What was the final result of India vs Netherlands?
India won by 17 runs after scoring 193/6 and defending it successfully.
🔥 Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?
Shivam Dube — for his match-defining 66 runs off 31 balls.
📅 Q3: When and where was the match played?
The match took place on 18 February 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
🎯 Q4: How did the Netherlands perform?
They scored 176/7 in their 20 overs but could not chase down India’s target.
⚠️ Q5: What does this mean for India?
With this win, India stayed unbeaten in the group stage and confirmed their strong momentum heading into the Super Eight round.
🏏 Final Thoughts
This match was a perfect example of why T20 cricket continues to captivate fans — big hitting, strategic bowling, critical partnerships, and pressure moments defined the contest. India’s clinical performance saw them cement their status as one of the favorites for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while the Netherlands showed spirit and fought hard against a world-class lineup.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on verified match reports and official scorecards from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scores and awards are subject to official confirmation by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This content is for informational purposes only and does not provide live streaming or broadcasting services.