Ahmedabad, February 18, 2026 – India defeated Netherlands by 17 runs in a thrilling match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Wednesday, completing a perfect run in the group stage.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 193 after a shaky start. Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed early, but Shivam Dube turned the match around with a blistering knock of 66 off just 31 balls, his career-best T20 score. Dube’s late assault, supported by a strong finish in the final five overs, helped India add 75 crucial runs and set a challenging target.
In reply, the Netherlands began confidently, staying close to the required rate through the middle overs. However, disciplined bowling from Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy restricted the scoring, while regular wickets halted momentum. Despite a spirited effort, the Dutch side fell short, finishing 17 runs behind.
Dube was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting and valuable contribution with the ball. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the team’s adaptability, highlighting their ability to recover from early setbacks and close out tight contests.
With this victory, India maintained their unbeaten record and sealed their Super 8 spot in dominant fashion. Earlier in the day, Pakistan and South Africa also secured qualification, finalising the Super 8 lineup. The Netherlands, meanwhile, showed resilience throughout the tournament but were unable to convert key moments into decisive gains.