India Clinch Perfect Group Stage with Victory Over Netherlands
India stormed into the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a flawless record, securing their fourth consecutive Group A win by defeating the Netherlands by 17 runs. The high-scoring clash at Ahmedabad’s packed Narendra Modi Stadium saw India defend a challenging total, sealing top spot in their pool as the only undefeated team.
Dube’s Power-Hitting Masterclass Rescues India
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India’s innings transformed dramatically thanks to Shivam Dube’s explosive career-best performance. Walking in after early wickets fell, his brutal 66 off just 31 balls featured six massive sixes, mostly targeting the mid-wicket boundary. The left-hander demolished Dutch spinners Roelof van der Merwe and Aryan Dutt, reaching his maiden World Cup fifty in only 25 deliveries.
Pandya Provides Perfect Support in Crushing Finish
Dube found the ideal partner in Hardik Pandya, who smashed 30 runs from 21 balls. Their destructive 76-run partnership powered a stunning late assault, plundering 75 runs in the final five overs. Rinku Singh capped off the innings with a last-over six, pushing India to 193/6 – far above the venue’s average score despite Aryan Dutt’s impressive early spell (2/19).
Bowling Unit Seals Dominant Victory
Chasing 194, the Netherlands showed grit but were constantly stifled by India’s disciplined bowling attack. Varun Chakaravarthy continued his phenomenal tournament form, grabbing 3/21 including two wickets in consecutive deliveries to shatter Dutch momentum just as they threatened to accelerate.
Bumrah’s Death Over Mastery
Jasprit Bumrah delivered another masterclass in closing out games, cleaning up skipper Scott Edwards with a trademark yorker during the crucial death overs. Hardik Pandya contributed early by removing opener Michael Levitt (24), preventing the Netherlands from capitalizing on the powerplay. Though the Dutch tailenders hit some late boundaries, the required rate climbed to an impossible 28 off the final over.
Social Media Erupts Over India’s Statement Win
Fans and experts flooded social media celebrating India’s dominance and Dube’s breakout performance:
Star Power Recognized
“Fantastic free-flowing cricket by Shivam Dube. Game changing innings under pressure,” tweeted former player Mohammad Kaif. Irfan Pathan added, “Shivam Dube has become crucial to India’s power-hitting setup. Today he played beautifully.”
Dominance Applauded
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Fans highlighted India’s comprehensive group stage: “TOTAL DOMINANCE BY INDIA – UNBEATEN IN GROUP STAGE,” posted one user alongside the team’s victories against USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and Netherlands. Others praised associate nations: “Netherlands scoring 176 against India is concerning… Associate nations have really surprised the world.”
Dube Declared Match-Winner
“66 runs and 2 crucial wickets – Shivam Dube is the athttps://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IND-vs-NED.webp” definition of an impact player,” summarized CricketTimes.com. Another fan simply stated: “Shivam Dube, thanks for keeping cricket alive,” capturing the excitement his innings generated.
