Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed fireworks as Shivam Dubey carved out a stormy half-century, helping India reach 193/6 and set Netherlands a steep 194-run target in T20 World Cup 2026 Group A finale.
India’s innings kicked off disastrously with Abhishek Sharma out for zero on the third ball, extending his poor run in the tournament. Ishan Kishan provided the initial momentum, racing to 18 with aggressive strokeplay before Tilak Varma anchored with 31.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 34, but it was Dubey’s arrival that transformed the game. The powerful hitter smashed 66 from 31 deliveries, including 6 sixes and 4 fours, in a match-defining knock.
Key partnerships defined India’s recovery: 39 between Kishan and Varma, 30 with Yadav, 41 alongside Surya, and a brutal 76 with Hardik Pandya, who scored a brisk 30. Netherlands’ Logan van Beek was the wrecker-in-chief with three scalps, supported by Aryan Dutt’s brace.
The Indian lineup boasted a mix of youth and experience: Kishan behind stumps, Sharma, Varma, Yadav skippering, Pandya, Dubey, Rinku, Sundar, Chakaravarthy, Bumrah, and Arshdeep. Netherlands fielded Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (c/wk), Jack Lyon-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, and Noah Croes.
As Netherlands embark on the chase, India’s bowlers will look to defend the total under lights, with Dubey’s pyrotechnics setting the tone for an exciting finish.