Brief scores: IND (193/6 in 20 ov) beat Netherlands (176/7 in 20 ovs) by 17 runs in Ahmedabad’s Group A match.
India’s march through the group stages continued on Wednesday, February 18, with a 17-run victory over the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium. India grabbed their fourth straight win in the T20 World Cup 2026, keeping them spotless heading into the Super 8s of the tournament. This wasn’t just another win, it was the latest chapter in India’s feel-good story of shared glory.
IND vs NED T20 WORLD CUP 2026: UPDATES | SCORECARD
Before the match, Suryakumar Yadav had thrown down a challenge of sorts: he wanted someone new to step up and claim the Man of the Match award. The skipper himself had taken it in India’s opening game against USA. Hardik stepped pu in the second game against Namibia, followed by Ishan Kishan’s heroics against Pakistan. The rotation policy was in full effect, and Dube’s number had come.
And boy, did he deliver! A swashbuckling half-century followed by a crucial wicket of Bas de Leede, turned what could have been a nervy chase into a comfortable Indian victory. The all-rounder’s 25-ball fifty wasn’t just quick, it was a statement of intent against a Dutch side that refused to roll over.
The innings started with a slice of fortune. Dube’s top-edge fell just before keeper Scott Edwards’ gloves early on, offering him a lifeline he’d make the most of. If that was not enough, Dube survived a close LBW call against spinner Aryan Dutt.
Perhaps those near-misses were the wake-up call he needed. When India were reeling with the loss of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, Dube settled in, found his rhythm. The release came against off spinner Colin Ackermann. The left-hander unleashed a boundary barrage, injecting much-needed momentum into the Indian innings, that got the Ahmedabad crowd roaring.
But here’s the thing about Dube – he’s not just a spin-basher any more. He proved it by taking apart both Roelof van der Merwe and Logan van Beek with brutal efficiency, his long levers and raw power on full display while his teammates struggled to keep pace. With Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh chipping in, India posted a commanding 193.
THE SHIVAM DUBE SHOW
Having spent years grinding through the T20 circuit, Dube has finally arrived. His batting was brilliant, sure, but his bowling turned the game on its head.
Young all-rounder Bas de Leede looked dangerous, smashing boundaries off Dube’s first few deliveries. Ackermann joined the fun. But Dube didn’t panic. He used the drinks break to reset, came back with fresh energy, and trapped de Leede – the Netherlands’ most threatening batter – to swing momentum firmly in India’s way.
3RD TIME’S THE CHARM
Cricket can be cruel, and the final over proved it in the most entertaining way possible.
Dube had two chances to seal his second wicket, and both went begging. First, Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh collided in a comedic mix-up. Then Tilak Varma grassed one at the deep point.
But Washington Sundar, stationed perfectly between long-on and extra cover, wasn’t about to let the moment slip. He clung on, sending both Surya and Dube into fits of laughter. The game was already won, but that final wicket felt fitting – a light-hearted end to another dominant performance.
With this win, India extended their tournament winning streak to 12 matches. The defending champions remain unbeaten, unstoppable, and now face the real test: the Super 8s await.
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