Defending champions India extended their unbeaten run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 17-run victory over the Netherlands in Ahmedabad. With this result, India registered their fourth consecutive win in the tournament, underlining why they remain firm favourites to retain the title.
Batting first after winning the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India posted a commanding 193/6 in 20 overs. The innings revolved around a breathtaking 66 off 31 balls from Shivam Dube, who smashed six sixes and four boundaries in a calculated counterattack.
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The Netherlands had early success through Aryan Dutt, who removed Abhishek Sharma for a duck and dismissed Ishan Kishan for a brisk 18 off seven balls. However, Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (34) rebuilt the innings before falling to Roelof van der Merwe and Kyle Klein respectively. Dube then shifted gears decisively, finding solid support from Hardik Pandya, who chipped in with 30 off 21 balls. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten as India closed strongly.
In response, the Dutch side fought admirably but fell short at 176. Varun Chakravarthy led the bowling charge with a clinical three-wicket haul, while Dube capped off a fine all-round display with two scalps. Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah also contributed with a wicket each to seal the contest.
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After the match, a heartwarming moment caught attention when Arshdeep Singh exchanged jerseys with Dutch spinner Aryan Dutt. Arshdeep later shared the picture on X with the caption: “No IF No BUT shoutout to ARYAN DUTT.”
India had earlier defeated the USA, Namibia and Pakistan in Group A, confirming their Super 8 qualification. With momentum firmly on their side, the Men in Blue look increasingly dangerous as the knockout stages approach.
No IF No BUT shoutout to ARYAN DUTT‼️ pic.twitter.com/84VCsVxdnz
— Arshdeep Singh (@arshdeepsinghh) February 18, 2026
