Ahmedabad — ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group A concluded on a high note for India national cricket team as they wrapped up the group stage unbeaten, defeating the Netherlands cricket team by 17 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 18 February 2026. India’s victory solidified their place in the Super Eight stage with four wins from four matches.
India, having won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a competitive 193/6 in 20 overs with Captain Suryakumar Yadav (34), Hardik Pandya (30) and Tilak Varma (28) making valuable contributions to India’s total. Walking in at a moment when India required acceleration, Dube transformed the innings with fearless ball striking. His calculated assault in the middle overs ensured India surged past the 190-run mark, a total that ultimately proved decisive. What stood out was not just brute power but shot selection: targeting matchups, clearing longer boundaries with ease and maintaining pressure on Dutch bowlers.
In response, the Netherlands managed 176/7, falling short despite a spirited chase. Varun Chakaravarthy’s 3/14 proved crucial in stifling the Dutch batting effort, Dube provided crucial breakthroughs during the Netherlands’ chase, disrupting partnerships and ensuring momentum never fully shifted. He ended up with 2 wickets to his name.
The win maintained India’s perfect group record and kept alive their ambitions for a deep run in the World Cup. However what worries India the most is the form of Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek Sharma’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 has gone from bad to worse after he bagged his third duck of the tournament. The left-handed Abhishek also registered his fifth T20I duck this year, thereby equalling Sanju Samson’s unwanted record for the most ducks by an Indian batter in T20Is in a calendar year. He has faced eight balls in this tournament so far, but is still waiting to score his first run and get off the mark. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed by fast bowler Ali Khan in India’s opening game against the United States (USA) on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He then missed the subsequent match against Namibia after being admitted to hospital due to a stomach-related illness.
Abhishek returned to the playing XI in place of Sanju Samson for the clash against Pakistan, but fell to Salman Agha straight down the ground. Following his dismissal against the Dutch, Abhishek recorded his fifth duck in just his eighth T20I appearance this year. His other two ducks came in Raipur and Visakhapatnam during the T20I series against New Zealand. All hopes lies on Abhishek Sharma to turn the tide and get back to his ruthless hitting zone in the Super 8s.
