Dube delivers on Surya's wish as India beat Netherlands, go unbeaten into Super 8s

By Admin

19 Feb, 2026

India’s march in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gathered more steam on Wednesday, February 18, as they defeated the Netherlands by 17 runs in a thrilling Group A clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

With this win, India registered their fourth straight victory, maintaining a perfect record in the group stages and heading confidently into the Super 8s.

Brief Scores:
IND – 193/6 (20 overs)
NED – 176/7 (20 overs)
India won by 17 runs

This was not just another win. It was another chapter in India’s growing story of shared glory.

Surya’s Wish at the Toss

At the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav had thrown down a subtle challenge. He wanted someone new to step up and claim the Man of the Match award.

Surya himself had won it in the opener against USA. Hardik Pandya followed in the second game against Namibia. Ishan Kishan shone bright against Pakistan.

The rotation policy was in full effect. And against the Netherlands, it was Shivam Dube’s turn.

And he delivered in style.

The Swashbuckling Fifty

Dube’s 25-ball half-century was not just quick   it was fearless.

His innings began with a slice of fortune. A top-edge fell just short of Dutch wicketkeeper Scott Edwards’ gloves. Soon after, he survived a close LBW call against spinner Aryan Dutt.

Perhaps those near-misses were the wake-up call he needed.

With India reeling after the early loss of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, Dube steadied the innings. The release came against off-spinner Colin Ackermann, as Dube launched a boundary barrage that electrified the Ahmedabad crowd.

He then dismantled experienced campaigners Roelof van der Merwe and Logan van Beek with brute power and clean striking.

With valuable contributions from Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, India surged to a commanding 193.

The Shivam Dube Show

If his batting set the tone, his bowling sealed the game.

Young Dutch all-rounder Bas de Leede looked dangerous, smashing boundaries in Dube’s first spell. Ackermann joined the charge, and the chase threatened to get tense.

But Dube did not panic. After a strategic drinks break reset, he returned with renewed clarity and trapped Bas de Leede   the Netherlands’ most threatening batter   swinging momentum firmly back in India’s favour.

That wicket proved decisive.

3rd Time’s the Charm

The final over added a touch of drama and comedy.

Dube had two opportunities to grab another wicket. First, Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh collided in a mix-up. Then Tilak Varma dropped a chance at deep point.

Finally, Washington Sundar, stationed perfectly between long-on and extra cover, held on to a sharp catch. The game was already in India’s pocket, but that final wicket felt fitting   a light-hearted ending to a dominant performance.

Surya and Dube could only laugh.

Unbeaten and Unstoppable

With this victory, India extended their tournament winning streak to 12 matches in T20 World Cups. The defending champions remain unbeaten, confident, and united.

More importantly, the team continues to showcase collective brilliance   a different hero in every match.

As the Super 8s approach, the real test now begins. But if this group stage run is anything to go by, India look ready for every challenge that lies ahead.