India Stay Unbeaten with 17-Run Win Over Netherlands in Group A Finale

India continued their dominant run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, registering a confident 17-run victory over the Netherlands in the Group A finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium. An outstanding all-round performance by Shivam Dube proved to be the decisive factor as India not only posted a challenging total but also defended it with discipline to maintain a flawless record in the group stage.

After winning the toss, India elected to bat first but suffered an early setback when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck, continuing a difficult tournament for the opener. Ishan Kishan looked positive during his brief stay, scoring 18 runs and attempting to inject momentum at the top. The innings was then stabilised by Tilak Varma and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who added valuable runs through a composed partnership. Varma contributed a steady 31, while Suryakumar struck 34, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.

The turning point of the innings came in the middle overs when Shivam Dube launched a ferocious assault on the Dutch bowling attack. Displaying immense power and clean striking, Dube smashed a breathtaking 66 off just 31 balls, peppering the stands with four boundaries and six towering sixes. His innings completely shifted the momentum in India’s favour and left the Netherlands scrambling for answers. The bowlers struggled to contain him, particularly during a phase where runs flowed freely and the asking rate for the opposition escalated rapidly.

Towards the end, Hardik Pandya provided the finishing flourish with a quickfire 30, ensuring India closed their innings on an imposing 193/6. For the Netherlands, Logan van Beek was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Aryan Dutt claimed two. Despite their efforts, Dube’s onslaught proved too damaging to rein in.

Chasing a daunting target of 194, the Netherlands began with intent and showed commendable resistance. Bas de Leede top-scored with 33, while Colin Ackermann added 23 and Zach Lion Cachet chipped in with 26. For a brief period, the visitors managed to keep the chase alive, but consistent pressure from India’s bowlers gradually pushed them onto the back foot.

Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a match-defining spell, conceding just 14 runs while picking up three crucial wickets to dismantle the Dutch middle order. Shivam Dube continued his impact by claiming two wickets of his own, underlining his all-round brilliance, while Jasprit Bumrah added another scalp with his trademark control at the death. The Netherlands eventually finished on 176/7, falling short by 17 runs.

The win marked India’s fourth consecutive victory in the group stage, ensuring they topped Group A without a single defeat and carried strong momentum into the Super 8s. India will now face stern tests against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and West Indies in the next phase of the tournament.

With Shivam Dube in scintillating form and the bowling unit operating with cohesion and confidence, India appear well placed to continue their title charge. Dube was rightly named Player of the Match for his decisive contributions with both bat and ball, capping off a commanding team performance.