Job done, and how! Our boys in Blue turned Ahmedabad into a fortress tonight, brushing aside the Dutch to make it 4️⃣ wins in 4️⃣ in the T20 Cup 2026. Whether it was the middle-order fireworks or the clinical death bowling, this was a performance that had "Champion" written all over it.

India batted first. Despite early hiccups, the hosts rallied to post 193/6 in their 20 overs. A statement innings from Shivam Dube (66 of 31 balls) and a trademark Hardik Pandya fireworks special (30) helped the defending champions register a competitive score.

The Netherlands, on the other hand, didn’t throw in the towel. After some promising displays with the ball, the likes of Bas de Leede (33) and the lower-order pairing of Zach Lion-Cachet (26) and Noah Croes (25*) got the Dutch close to the finish line. But they fell short by 17 runs.

Here is how India’s final group-stage outing unfolded.

Turbulence on the runway

India’s go-for-broke approach hit a Dutch-built brick wall as the visitors’ spinners turned the Powerplay into a massive gamble (51-2). Although enjoying an 8.5 rate per over, the early exits of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan killed the buzz.

While it wasn't the smooth takeoff we expected, Aapla Dada Surya (34) and TV (31) chipped in with their composed cameos to take India past 💯.

Dube-ing the heavy lifting

Taking the run-scoring reins into his hands, Shivam Dube took the controller 🎮 and swung the innings back into India’s favor with his 31-ball 66 🔥. It was the perfect injection for the Men in Blue, and what followed was a spirited HP display.

Kung-Fu Finish

While he contributed 30 runs off 20 balls in the action-packed 76-run partnership, it was his three SUPER sixes that got the Ahmedabad crowd on the edge of their seats. His intent led the T20 Cup holders to a competitive 193/6.

Additionally, the MI skipper added a 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂 feather to his cap.

6000+ runs. 200+ wickets.
First Indian to do it in T20s.🔥

Hardik Pandya, built different. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/omsFRTJTC3

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 18, 2026

Varun spins a breakthrough, THRICE

The Netherlands began their chase with a hint of optimism, touching 35 runs in 5.3 overs before Varun Chakravarthy opened the floodgates. His googly-like delivery slipped through Max O'Dowd’s defense and knicked out his leg stump. 

He would add two more to his kitty:

12.1: Nudges Colin Ackermann to hit it towards Rinku Singh at deep mid wicket.

12.2: Googly on a full-length that rattles Aryan Butt’s stumps.

HP, BOOM BOOM and Dube join the wickets’ party!

While Varun Chakravarthy (3/14) got the Dutch top-order wrapped in his web, the pace trio of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube grabbed wickets to derail the spirited charge of the visitors.

The result? The Netherlands finished their innings at 176/7, and SKY’s Blue brigade rubberstamped a 17-run triumph. From a stats perspective, this is India’s 12th consecutive win in a row in T20 Cups, and they end the group stage UNBEATEN.

Brief scores: India 193/6 (Shivam Dube 66, Hardik Pandya 30; Logan van Beek 3/56) BEAT the Netherlands 176/7 (Bas de Leede 33; Varun Chakravarthy 3/14) by 17 RUNS.