India continued their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with dominance as they outclassed the newcomers Netherlands by 95 runs at Headingley. India women were in control from the very beginning. The result lifted India to the top of Group A, moving past Australia on net run rate and indicated that the team is building momentum at just the right time.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma rewrite record books
After winning the toss, the Netherlands captain Babette de Leede opted to bowl first. India’s openers quickly made that decision look costly albeit. Shafali Verma, under scrutiny due to a dip in form, responded with a confident 55 off 38 balls, studded with ten boundaries. Smriti Mandhana matched that intent at the other end. While Shafali was on her usual attacking mode, Mandhana played with her trademark elegance. Once Shafali was dismissed, Mandhana took charge of the innings and quickly reached 74 from 47 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six. Together, they put on a dominant 115-run opening partnership- a record-breaking stand that swung the match firmly in India’s favour. The duo kept the Dutch bowlers under constant pressure and gave them very little chances to return.
Even after the opening stand was broken, India women never eased off. Richa Ghosh was quick with a useful cameo of 8-ball 20*, striking two sixes that gave the innings a sharp finish. Thanks to late blast from Richa and Deepti Sharma (10 off 2), India put a daunting 209/5. Caroline de Lange did manage to pick up two wickets later on, but the damage had long been done. India’s formidable score was their highest total in Women’s T20 World Cup.
Also read: Mandhana, Shafali shine as India register their highest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup total
Shree Charani breaks the Netherlands chase
A target of 210 was always going to be a massive challenge for the Netherlands women. Babette de Leede and Sterre Kalis started firmly, but India’s disciplined bowling kept it tight from the start of the chase. This eventually pushed the required rate higher constantly. Once Netherlands lost the control and the chase seemed to slip, they faced a major collapse.
Shree Charani led the charge with an outstanding 4/19, including three wickets in quick succession in the 17th over as she came close to a hat-trick. Shafali Verma, on the other hnad, added to the damage with 3/20 in 3.2 overs. Her all-round display made her only the third player to have fifty and 3 wickets in the same match in Women’s T20 World Cup. Netherlands were eventually bowled out for 114 in 17.3 overs, sealing a comprehensive win for Harmanpreet Kaur-led India women.
Brief scores: India 209/5 (Smriti Mandhana 74, Shafali Verma 55, Caroline de Lange 2-32) beat Netherlands 114 (Babette de Leede 28, Shree Charani 4-19, Shafali Verma 3-20) by 95 runs
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana
For more news & updates, follow The Crichub on X and YouTube
