Shivam Dube turned the Narendra Modi Stadium into his personal stage, delivering an all-round masterclass that guided India to a 17-run triumph over Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026 Group A action. His 66-run blitz and two key wickets fetched him the Player of the Match accolade in a match that saw India finish strong.
After skipper Suryakumar Yadav called correctly at the toss, India amassed 193/6. Disaster struck early with Abhishek Sharma out for nought, but Tilak Varma anchored with 31 from 27 deliveries. Key stands included 39 with Ishan Kishan and 30 alongside Yadav’s 34.
Dube joined Yadav for 41 runs, then exploded with Pandya for 76 in 35 balls. Dube’s savage 66 off 31 – 6 sixes, 4 boundaries – defined the innings, Pandya adding 30 off 21.
Van Beek’s 3-for led Netherlands’ response, Dutt grabbing 2, Klein 1.
Needing 194, Netherlands openers Levitt (24) and O’Dowd (20) laid a 35-run platform. Reduced to 51/2, Ackermann (23) and de Leede (33) countered with 49 runs to reach 94.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s double strike in the 13th over – Ackermann and Dutt – triggered a collapse to 125/6 despite Edwards’ 15.
Croes (25no) and Line-Kasett (26) mounted a late rally with 47 runs, but 176/7 fell short. Chakaravarthy (3/14), Dube (2/35), Bumrah, and Pandya sealed the deal.
India’s balanced attack and Dube’s brilliance ensure a confident stride into the next phase.