India and the Netherlands are set to face each other in match 36 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on February 18. India has already secured a spot in the Super 8 stage, having topped their group. The Netherlands, on the other hand, still has a slim chance of advancing, but it appears unlikely.
This match is crucial for India as they look to maintain their performance and finish the group stage strong. For the Netherlands, it will be an opportunity to compete vigorously.
India’s path to this match included victories against the USA and Namibia, capped off by a dominating win against Pakistan. The Netherlands experienced a loss to Pakistan, followed by a win against Namibia, but suffered a heavy defeat to the USA.
For the Netherlands to advance, they must win against India by a large margin and hope for a surprising result where Namibia defeats Pakistan. This scenario would lead to three teams having four points, making net run rate crucial.
India T20 World Cup squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
India will be hoping for better performances from Abhishek Sharma, who has two ducks in the tournament, and also from Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube.
Netherlands T20 World Cup squad: Scott Edwards (c), 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.
While the Netherlands still has a chance, their campaign seems almost over, particularly after their poor performance against the USA. However, they will aim to exit on a strong note.
What is the head-to-head record between India and the Netherlands?
In their only T20I match to date, India leads the record 1-0 against the Netherlands.
Probable XI of both teams
India probable XI for the match against NED: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Netherlands probable XI for the match versus IND: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards, Zach Lion-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad & Key Details of the Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest Cricket venue globally, accommodating up to 132,000 spectators. It hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final and is expected to be part of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The first T20I at this venue took place in 2021 between India and England.
What is the pitch like at the Narendra Modi Stadium?
The pitch at the stadium is expected to provide an even contest between batters and bowlers. Early scoring may be challenging, but once batters settle, they can accelerate scoring, especially in the latter part of the innings. Bowlers will need to work hard for wickets, as the surface tends to favor good shots turning into singles rather than boundaries.
Key Stats & Records at the Narendra Modi Stadium
A total of 11 T20I matches have been played at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India will be playing their 9th T20I here, having won six and lost two matches; both losses were against England.
The Netherlands will make their debut at this venue.
India’s highest score at this stadium is 234/4 against New Zealand in February 2023, followed by 231/5 against South Africa in December 2025. They also scored 224/2 against England.
The lowest total recorded here is New Zealand’s 66, which occurred against India in 2023. India’s score of 124/7 against England in 2021 is the second-lowest.
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs here, with 258 runs. Among current players, Hardik Pandya has scored 179 runs.
Pandya and Shardul Thakur are tied for the most wickets at this stadium, with each taking 8 wickets.
IND vs NED: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
Ahmedabad is expected to have ideal weather for cricket with warm temperatures around 30°C during the day, cooling to below 23°C at night. Rain is not predicted, ensuring a complete match.
IND vs NED: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Considering the pitch and current form, India is favored to win. Their strong batting lineup poses a challenge for the Netherlands, and their bowling attack could test the Dutch team.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Narendra Modi Stadium
What is the pitch report for Narendra Modi Stadium?
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to offer a balanced contest between batters and bowlers. Batters must exhibit patience initially, while once established, they can produce strong totals in the later stages of the innings. Bowlers will need to work diligently, aiming for wickets and employing varied strategies.
What are IND’s and NED’s records at the Narendra Modi Stadium?
This match will mark the first meeting between India and the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium. India has played eight T20Is here, winning six and losing two, while the Netherlands will make their debut.
