India concluded their group stage campaign with the same clinical efficiency that has defined their recent T20 history. A gritty 17-run victory over the Netherlands at the world’s largest cricket stadium marked India’s 12th consecutive T20 World Cup win; a streak stretching back to the 2024 edition.
In a lineup of superstars, Shivam Dube has quietly become the thread holding the Indian innings together. Coming in with India in strife at 74/3, Dube shifted gears from playing cautiously to sending the ball all over the ground.
Rescue: Dube’s 66 off 31 balls was a clinic in game awareness. After a slow start (6 off 11), he unleashed a barrage of sixes, particularly targeting the cow corner region.
Short-ball: Once a glaring weakness, Dube's work on the short ball was evident as he pulled Logan van Beek with "powerful grace." His strike rate against the short stuff has surged to an intimidating 211.11 this year.
Value of an all-rounder: Beyond his batting, Dube also stuck with his spell, picking up 2 crucial scalps to stall the Netherlands' chase.
Despite the win, India’s historical struggle against off-spin resurfaced. Indian-origin offie Aryan Dutt terrorized the top order in the Powerplay, finishing with a stellar spell that removed both openers.
Abhishek Sharma’s crisis: In a tragic turn for the debutant, Abhishek Sharma recorded his third consecutive duck. He departs the group stage having yet to score a run in his maiden ICC event.
Accumulators: Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (31) played vital supporting roles, protecting their wickets while Dube and Hardik Pandya (30 off 21) provided the final 75-run flourish.
Defending 193, India’s bowling depth proved too much for the Dutch, who fell short at 176.
Varun Chakaravarthy: Snapped up 3/27, nearly claiming a hat-trick in the 12th over. His drop and deceptive googlies were unfathomable for the Netherlands' middle order.
Middle stump flying: Jasprit Bumrah delivered the highlight of the night, cleaning up Scott Edwards with a a lightning-fast delivery that knocked the middle stump down Motera Road.
