India face the Netherlands in their final Group-stage outing of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with momentum and table position at stake in Ahmedabad. The hosts have already sealed Super Eight qualification, while the Netherlands chase an upset to keep qualification hopes alive.
Match details
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
Date: Wednesday, February 18
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
India enter Match 36 in complete control of their campaign. Wins over Pakistan, Namibia, and the United States have already secured their place in the Super Eight, and the team now aims to complete the group stage unbeaten. The hosts have shown flexibility in approach, adapting their batting tempo and bowling combinations according to match situations. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has encouraged aggressive intent without sacrificing structure, and the depth in India’s squad has allowed them to rotate responsibility across departments.
The Netherlands arrive with a slimmer margin for error. They have managed one victory, which came against Namibia, but losses to Pakistan and the USA have left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. To stay in contention, the Dutch side need to win their remaining fixtures, starting with the toughest challenge of the group. While results have not consistently followed, the Netherlands have competed well in phases and will back themselves to seize opportunities if India offer any opening.
Key players
Suryakumar Yadav remains India’s most influential batter in the tournament. He has scored 128 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 140.66 and played a decisive role in the win over the USA. His ability to control the middle overs while maintaining scoring momentum makes him central to India’s plans. Varun Chakravarthy has complemented the batting strength with incisive bowling. The mystery spinner has taken six wickets in nine overs and regularly breaks partnerships with subtle variations.
For the Netherlands, Scott Edwards provides leadership and stability behind the stumps, while all-rounders such as Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek offer balance. Their chances depend on early wickets and disciplined bowling to restrict India’s explosive lineup.
Head-to-head record
India and the Netherlands have met once in T20 internationals. India won that encounter, which took place on October 27, 2022. The Netherlands look to level the record with a landmark victory.
Pitch report
The surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium traditionally favors batters. The pitch allows free stroke-making, and the large outfield encourages players to find gaps and rotate strike effectively. Bowlers must maintain strict lines and lengths, as loose deliveries often disappear to the boundary. Teams that build partnerships and pace their innings smartly can post imposing totals, while bowlers who rely on variation and discipline can still find success.
Probable match scenarios
India may opt to bat with controlled aggression if they set a target, using the powerplay to build a platform before accelerating through the middle and death overs. If they chase, expect calm decision-making and depth to come into play.
The Netherlands need breakthroughs early and sustained pressure through spin and cutters. If they limit India during the powerplay and force a slower middle phase, they can keep the contest competitive.
Probable playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (captain and wicketkeeper), Zach Lion-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe, Kyle Klein, Fred Klaassen.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: JioStar Network Channels on television and JioHotstar on the app and website.
Pakistan: No official broadcaster announced in the provided details.
United Kingdom: No official broadcaster announced in the provided details.
Australia: No official broadcaster announced in the provided details.
Global viewers: Streaming and broadcast information outside India has not been specified in the provided details.
Match prediction
India enter as clear favourites based on form, depth, and home conditions. The Netherlands possess the potential to challenge if they execute plans with precision, but India’s balance across batting and bowling should prove decisive. A disciplined performance should see India finish the group stage unbeaten, while the Netherlands need near-perfect execution to pull off an upset.
