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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is reaching its thrilling conclusion, and the 36th match of the tournament presents a fascinating David vs Goliath battle in Group A. On Wednesday, 18th February 2026, the hosts and tournament favorites India will lock horns with a spirited Netherlands side at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
As we analyze this IND vs NED 36th T20 match prediction, the gulf in experience and current form is vast, but the Dutch are known for springing surprises on the biggest stage. India, under the dynamic leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, have been the team to beat in the tournament. Sitting proudly at the top of the Group A points table with a perfect record of three wins, they have dismantled every opposition with clinical precision.
Their latest victory was a statement 61-run win over arch-rivals Pakistan, a game where they showcased their batting depth and bowling venom. Ishan Kishann has been in the form of his life, amassing 158 runs, while the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav have strangled batters in the middle overs. On the other hand, the Netherlands find themselves in a difficult spot.
Currently placed fourth in the group with one win and two losses, they are not mathematically out of the running, but they need a miracle. Their campaign has been a rollercoaster, highlighted by a win but also a humbling 93-run loss to the USA, where their batting lineup crumbled under pressure. This India vs Netherlands clash is a mismatch on paper, but T20 cricket has a history of upsets. The Dutch will take heart from their famous victories in previous World Cups and look to spoil the party for the host nation in front of a massive crowd.
Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | IND vs NED, 36th T20 Match, Group A |
| Date | Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM Local Time (Night Match) |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Preview
India Team Preview
The Indian cricket team has been the standout performer of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, living up to their billing as tournament favorites. With three commanding victories from three matches, including a high-pressure win against Pakistan, they are sitting pretty at the top of Group A and have already secured their place in the Super 8s. Their success has been built on a perfect blend of explosive batting, varied bowling, and electric fielding.
The batting lineup, led by the in-form Ishan Kishan, has been a nightmare for bowlers. Kishan has been the team’s leading run-scorer with 158 runs, and his breathtaking 77 off 40 balls against Pakistan was a knock of pure class and power. He has found able partners in Suryakumar Yadav, whose innovative 360-degree stroke play keeps the scoreboard ticking, and the big-hitting Shivam Dube, who provides the finishing punch. The return of Hardik Pandya adds immense depth, allowing India to bat all the way down to number eight.
If the batting is destructive, the bowling attack is simply world-class. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack with his lethal yorkers and accuracy, picking up crucial wickets at key moments. However, the real X-factor for India has been their spin twins. Varun Chakravarthy has been unplayable, using his variations to pick up 6 wickets while maintaining an economy rate that strangles the opposition.
Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav provides the perfect left-arm wrist-spin option, making the middle overs a graveyard for batters. For this match against the Netherlands, India might be tempted to rest a few key players to keep them fresh for the Super 8s. However, with a home crowd at the world’s largest stadium, they will be eager to put on a show and complete a perfect group stage campaign. Expect them to play aggressive, fearless cricket.
Netherlands Team Preview
For the Netherlands, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been a campaign of missed opportunities. Sitting fourth in Group A with one win and two losses, they face a monumental task to keep their Super 8 hopes alive. Their campaign began with a hard-fought win but was followed by two heavy defeats, the most recent being a humbling 93-run loss to the USA.
That match exposed the fragility of their batting lineup. Chasing a target of 197, they were reduced to 66 for 5 inside the first eight overs, eventually being bowled out for a paltry 103. None of the batters showed the required temperament to handle the pressure, leaving the team in a precarious position.
The one shining light for the Dutch has been the phenomenal all-rounder Bas de Leede. He has been their lone warrior, leading both the batting and bowling charts. With 125 runs, he has been their most consistent batter, and with 5 wickets, he has been their most potent bowler. His ability to contribute in all three departments makes him invaluable.
Captain Scott Edwards will need to lead from the front and find support from the likes of Max O’Dowd and Colin Ackermann to put up a competitive total. The bowling attack, featuring the experienced Logan van Beek and Aryan Dutt, will need to bowl disciplined lines and use variations effectively to contain the powerful Indian lineup.
This match is a free hit for the Dutch. With nothing to lose, they can play with freedom and express themselves. A win here, in front of a massive crowd, would be the greatest upset in their cricketing history and a fitting tribute to their fighting spirit.
Team Squad
India Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Netherlands Squad:
Scott Edwards (c & wk), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.
Probable Playing XI
India Probable Playing XI:
Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
Netherlands Probable Playing XI:
Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Noah Croes, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen.
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-Keeper | Ishan Kishan | India |
| Wicket-Keeper | Scott Edwards | Netherlands |
| Batter | Suryakumar Yadav | India |
| Batter | Tilak Varma | India |
| Batter | Max O’Dowd | Netherlands |
| All-Rounder | Hardik Pandya | India |
| All-Rounder | Bas de Leede | Netherlands |
| All-Rounder | Axar Patel | India |
| Bowler | Jasprit Bumrah | India |
| Bowler | Varun Chakaravarthy | India |
| Bowler | Logan van Beek | Netherlands |
Building a winning fantasy XI for this IND vs NED clash requires a strategy of loading up on dominant Indian players while picking a few high-value Dutch match-winners who can provide differential points. We start with the wicket-keepers. India’s Ishan Kishan is an automatic pick as the team’s leading run-scorer, fresh off a match-winning 77 against Pakistan . Netherlands’ captain Scott Edwards is a reliable middle-order batter and a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.
The batting lineup is heavily Indian. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, is a 360-degree player capable of changing the game in a few overs. Tilak Varma has looked solid in the middle order. From the Netherlands, opener Max O’Dowd is their most experienced batter and a key to providing a solid start .
The all-rounder department is stacked with quality. India’s Hardik Pandya provides the dual threat of power-hitting and medium pace, making him a captaincy contender. The Netherlands’ Bas de Leede is a must-pick, being their leading run-scorer and wicket-taker, offering immense value. Axar Patel adds depth with his left-arm spin and aggressive lower-order batting .
The bowling attack is spearheaded by India’s lethal pace-spin combination. Jasprit Bumrah is the best death bowler in the world, while Varun Chakaravarthy is the tournament’s leading spinner with 6 wickets, unplayable in the middle overs. The Netherlands’ Logan van Beek provides pace and wicket-taking ability with his variations, making him a valuable differential.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:
- Captain: Ishan Kishan (In sublime touch, India’s top scorer, likely to bat through the innings).
- Vice-Captain: Bas de Leede (The heart of the Dutch team, contributes with bat, ball, and in the field).
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team:
- Shivam Dube (IND): While a powerful hitter, his role lower down the order might not guarantee enough balls to score big fantasy points. He is a high-risk pick.
- Paul van Meekeren (NED): On a flat batting track against a power-packed Indian lineup, he could prove to be expensive. With safer bowling options available, he is a risky choice.
Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad offers a batting paradise. The pitch is flat, the boundaries are massive but the outfield is lightning fast. Initially, pacers get some assistance with the new ball under lights, but it quickly becomes a batter’s game. Spinners need to bowl with variations as the pitch offers little turn. Batting first is preferred, with scores of 190+ being par.
Weather Report
Ahmedabad will experience clear and pleasant evening weather. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring a full 20-over contest under the lights. Temperatures will be around 26°C with low humidity, perfect for cricket.
Toss Prediction
At the Narendra Modi Stadium, captains prefer to bat first to utilize the best batting conditions and put a big score on the board under lights. We predict India will win the toss and bat first.
Probable Best Batter & Bowler
Probable Best Batter: Ishan Kishan (India)
Ishan Kishan is in the form of his life. With 158 runs already, including a breathtaking 77 against Pakistan, he looks unstoppable at the top of the order. On the flat Ahmedabad pitch, he will have the perfect platform to showcase his aggressive stroke play and clear the massive boundaries. Expect him to be the top scorer once again.
Probable Best Bowler: Varun Chakaravarthy (India)
Varun Chakaravarthy has been the standout spinner of the tournament, claiming 6 wickets with his mystery variations. On a pitch that might offer little assistance, his ability to bowl googlies and carrom balls makes him a constant threat. Against a Dutch lineup that struggles against quality spin, he is primed to pick up multiple wickets in the middle overs.
Match Prediction
This is a massive mismatch on paper. India are the form team of the tournament, boasting a world-class batting lineup and the best spin attack. Netherlands have fought hard but lack the depth to compete with India’s quality. Expect India to win comfortably and complete a perfect group stage campaign.
Our Winner: India Will Win
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