AHMEDABAD, India: Defending champions India have won the toss and elected to bat first against the Netherlands in the 36th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium here on Wednesday.
With both teams already aware of their Super Eight fate, India will look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the next round, while the Dutch side aims to bow out of the tournament on a high note against the tournament favourites.
India Handed Clean Bill of Health
Suryakumar Yadav, leading the side in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, had no hesitation in choosing to bat first on what appears to be a batting-friendly surface in Ahmedabad.
India have named a formidable playing XI packed with match-winners.
The batting line-up features Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma alongside skipper Yadav.
The all-round department is bolstered by Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, while the bowling attack boasts the lethal duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, supported by spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj.
Netherlands Aim to Upset the Odds
Dutch captain Scott Edwards acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic about his side’s chances of causing an upset.
The Netherlands have fielded a seasoned line-up featuring experienced campaigners Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek and Roelof van der Merwe, who will be eager to test themselves against the world champions.
Netherlands 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.
Head-to-Head Record Favours India
Historically, India hold the edge in the solitary T20 International meeting between the two sides.
The only encounter came during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where India emerged victorious.
Matches Played: 1
India Wins: 1
Netherlands Wins: 0
