Over the years, the Netherlands have been one of the most consistent associate teams. They have not just turned up at world events, but have actually given their opposition a run for their money. They have beaten South Africa and Bangladesh at ICC events and in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, they gave Pakistan a real scare in their first match of the competition.

Had it not been for the dropped opportunity, the result could have possibly swung around the Orange corner. However, with games coming thick and fast, the Dutch did not have much time ponder over things from that game, as they brushed aside Namibia in their next game, but immediately after, were given a reality check by the United States, losing by a whooping margin of 93 runs.

Looking back at the game against Pakistan, what should have been a historic moment for the Dutch, turned sour in the end, but fast bowler Timm van der Gugten feels there were plenty of positives from that game.

“Yeah, it [loss against Pakistan] was a tough one to watch, and I really felt for the boys out there,” Van der Gugten tells The CricHub in an exclusive chat.

“As a group, we’ve been working incredibly hard on our games to keep pushing this team to the next level. After the first innings, we felt we were probably 15–20 runs short, but the way the bowlers and fielders responded was outstanding. They executed our plans brilliantly and not only brought us back into the contest but also put us in a strong position to win,” he adds further.

“Of course, there was disappointment in the dressing room afterwards — that’s natural when you come so close,” Van der Gugten explains further. “The key message was to focus on what we did well, learn from the small moments that cost us, and move forward with confidence. The more often we can put ourselves in those pressure situations, the more we’ll learn, grow, and ultimately come out on the right side of those tight games.”

It is only going to get tougher for Scott Edwards’ side as the Netherlands will be up against a rampant Indian side, who have already booked their place in the next round. Thus far, India have been unbeaten in the competition, and the ‘Men in Blue’ will leave no stone unturned brushing the Dutch aside.

However, Van der Gugten hopes his side can embrace this massive occasion in Ahmedabad and not get overawed by it. “It’s an exciting challenge for us,” van der Gugten, who played his 50 th T20I for Netherlands recently, says.

“Any time you come up against India — especially as defending champions and in their own backyard — you know you’re going to be tested in all areas of the game. They’re a world-class side with quality and depth right through their squad, so it’s a great opportunity to measure ourselves against the best.

“Maybe a bit of a cliche answer but the game will be about focusing on what we do well, sticking to our processes, and embracing the occasion rather than being overawed by it. In terms of confidence, we back our skills and the way we play and I’m sure the coaches/skipper will come up with some funky plans that might surprise a few of their players,” says the Dutch pacer.

The Netherlands will have a familiar face in the opposition on February 18 (Wednesday), as Ryan ten Doeschate, an icon in Dutch cricket will be in India’s corner as their assistant coach. Van der Gugten believes it would certainly be special to get one over ten Doeschate’s side.

“A few of us have had the privilege of playing alongside Ryan [ten Doeschate], and he’s obviously a huge figure in Dutch cricket. What he’s done for the game in the Netherlands is incredible, and a lot of guys look up to him and idolise him. There was a bit of light-hearted chat when the fixtures came out but nothing too serious,” Van der Gugten states.

“He’s obviously had a hefty workload with India so it will be nice to catch up with him in person again. Of course, it would be pretty special to get one over his side. He knows all too well how the Dutch play and he’d expect nothing less than us throwing everything at them. At the end of the day, that competitive edge is something he always stood for as a player, so it will be a great contest.”

Over the last decade, the Dutch have really gone from existing just to make up numbers to now becoming a team that can spring a surprise on any of the top teams on their given day. Other than defeating England at Lord’s in 2009, the Netherlands have beaten South Africa and Bangladesh at ICC events, further proving that they are a side not to be taken lightly.

“When you look back to 2014 [T20 World Cup] and compare it to where we are now, the growth has been huge. The Netherlands have come a long way, both on and off the field,” Van der Gugten, Netherlands’ fourth-highest T20I wicket-taker, explains. That progress has translated into impressive bench strength, with a large portion of the first-choice XI capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Players such as Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, Colin Ackermann, and, when required, van der Gugten himself, have consistently shown they can deliver meaningful all-round contributions.

“Gone are the days when we only really had 11 or 12 players to choose from,” he said.

“Now there’s genuine competition for places, and that’s a great sign of how much the team had developed. To have been part of that journey across five World Cups is something I’m very grateful for. Seeing the younger guys come in now confident, skilled, and ready to compete against the best in the world — is a great sign of how far Dutch cricket has come.”

The evolution is evident in the current squad, with the Sydney-born pacer even going as much as calling it one of the ‘strongest’ Dutch squads in ages.

“It’s hard to compare eras because every team faces different challenges, but in terms of balance, depth, and overall skillset, this is certainly the strongest Netherlands sides I’ve been a part of,” Van der Gugten said. While the 34-year-old has significantly contributed to the Dutch’s success, he certainly knows that the real work is in front of the Orange, as they look to climb up the cricketing ladder, and prove the world that they are here for the long haul.

They can get to that with a big step – a victory against India in Ahmedabad.

(Pramod Ananth is a cricket journalist focused on Associate cricket, bringing in-depth coverage of emerging teams, tournaments, and the global growth of the game. He tweets his opinion @pramz on X.)