India continued their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup 2026 with a 17-run victory over Netherlands in their final Group A match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday.

Batting first after winning the toss, India recovered from an early setback to post 193/6 in 20 overs. Netherlands responded with a spirited chase but were restricted to 176/7, handing India their fourth straight win of the group stage.

Dube rescues India after early blows

India’s innings began on a shaky note as both openers departed inside the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma endured a tough outing, registering his third consecutive duck in the tournament.

However, Shivam Dube turned the game around with a blistering 66 off just 31 deliveries. His aggressive knock provided the momentum India needed in the middle overs.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 34 runs, while Hardik Pandya (30) and Tilak Varma (28) chipped in with valuable cameos to lift India to a competitive total.

Varun’s double strike halts Dutch charge

In reply, Netherlands stayed in contention for much of the chase. Scott Edwards and Bas de Leede struck timely boundaries to keep the required rate within reach.

The turning point came in the 13th over when Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets in successive deliveries, leaving the Dutch side under pressure. He finished with three wickets, including a hat-trick opportunity that narrowly slipped away.

Dube also contributed with the ball, claiming two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah delivered a key breakthrough by dismissing Edwards with a trademark yorker.

Despite late resistance from Noah Croes and Zach Lion-Cachet, Netherlands fell short by 17 runs.

India top Group A

With four wins from four matches, India finished at the top of Group A. Pakistan secured second place, followed by USA in third, Netherlands in fourth, and Namibia at the bottom without a win.

Dube was named Player of the Match for his decisive all-round performance.

India now head into the Super 8 stage carrying strong momentum and contributions from across their playing XI.

Australia’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 ended at the group stage, marking a surprising early departure for the 2021 champions. With Zimbabwe progressing alongside Sri Lanka from Group B, Australia failed to secure a place in the Super 8 stage.

Losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka left the Mitchell Marsh-led side under pressure. A washed-out match between Ireland and Zimbabwe ultimately sealed Australia’s elimination from the tournament.

Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance and selection strategy. Speaking on SEN Cricket, Healy said the team’s approach in the lead-up to the tournament had been flawed.

“We were duped,” Healy remarked, suggesting that the squad composition prioritised power over adaptability in conditions suited to Sri Lanka and India. He criticised what he described as a denial of possible shortcomings and an overconfidence in the chosen combination.

Healy also questioned the decision-making around team changes during the tournament. He pointed out that in a crucial match, two bowlers and a leading batter were dropped to accommodate an all-rounder, another bowler, and the captain’s return, a move he felt disrupted the balance of the side.

The former wicketkeeper expressed particular concern over the batting order and the role of certain players. He questioned the inclusion of Cooper Connolly, noting the youngster’s recent run of low scores, and argued that the team lacked specialist batters capable of building innings in challenging conditions.

According to Healy, the squad was filled with finishers but lacked players who could stabilise the innings at the top. He also mentioned Cameron Green’s position at number three, Tim David at four, and Josh Inglis’ shifting role in the batting order as examples of what he called an “unbalanced team”.

Healy concluded that the selection direction taken a year ago, which he believes prioritised power-hitting over traditional batsmanship and form, ultimately backfired in subcontinental conditions.

Australia’s early exit means the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 will proceed without one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.

India’s commanding victory over Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has boosted confidence within the cricket establishment, with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajiv Shukla expressing firm belief that the team will go on to lift the trophy.

Reacting after India’s comprehensive 61-run win in Colombo on Sunday, Shukla described the result as a major achievement and praised the team’s overall performance.

“Winning against Pakistan by such a huge margin is a huge achievement. The way our boys played, I am fully confident that we will win the World Cup as well,” Shukla told reporters. He highlighted the depth in the squad, saying different players have stepped up at different times during the tournament.

Kishan’s fifty and disciplined bowling seal big win

A decisive half-century from Ishan Kishan laid the foundation for India’s total of 175 for 7. Kishan’s 77-run knock anchored the innings, while Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs to push the score to a competitive total.

In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. India’s bowling attack delivered a collective performance, with Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah picking up two wickets each.

Usman Khan top-scored for Pakistan with 44, while Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 23. Saim Ayub had earlier impressed with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs.

India on top of Group A

With three wins in three matches, India currently lead Group A. Pakistan stand third with two victories and one defeat, while the USA are placed second with two wins and two losses.

Shukla emphasised that the team’s strength lies in its balance and the ability of different players to deliver under pressure, reinforcing his confidence that India can go all the way in the tournament.