India vs Netherlands Live Streaming, Free Score & Match Preview T20 World Cup 2026
India take on Netherlands tonight at Ahmedabad in what is technically a dead-rubber — but don’t let that fool you. This match still has plenty riding on it, from player form to bench testing to India’s unbeaten run in ICC tournaments. Catch all live streaming and score updates for T20 World Cup 2026 right here.
Match Info — India vs Netherlands
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | 36th Match, Group A |
| Date | February 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Start Time | 7:00 PM (local) / 19:00 IST |
| Toss | TBD |
| Match Type | T20I (Night Match) |
Match Overview
India are already through to the Super 8 with a perfect 3-win record in Group A. Netherlands, sitting in 4th place, are playing for pride and a morale-boosting finish to their campaign. With India likely resting key players like Jasprit Bumrah, this could be a golden opportunity for fringe names — Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar — to make a statement.
Netherlands will be eager to sign off on a high. They had their chances in this group — fumbles against Pakistan and an indifferent show vs USA cost them dearly. But with no pressure tonight, they could play freely and give India real problems.
Key questions going in:
- Will Bumrah be rested? Arshdeep has already reportedly marked his run-up
- Can Abhishek Sharma finally click in World Cup cricket?
- Does Kuldeep Yadav get a rare start?
- Will Washington Sundar play his first match of the tournament?
Head-to-Head — India vs Netherlands (T20Is)
| Stat | India | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | — | — |
| Last Result | Won by 56 runs | Lost |
| Last Meeting | Oct 27, 2022 | Oct 27, 2022 |
| Overall Edge | India dominant | Netherlands yet to win |
India have historically dominated this fixture. Netherlands have never beaten India in a T20 International, and turning that around tonight in front of a packed Ahmedabad crowd would be a genuine shock.
Last 2 Meetings
Oct 27, 2022 — T20 World Cup: India won by 56 runs. India put on a strong total and Netherlands never threatened the chase. It was a comfortable win that set the tone for India’s 2022 campaign.
That’s the only recent T20I meeting between the sides, which tells you how rarely these two cross paths. Tonight’s match is only their second T20I encounter — rare, and all the more interesting for it.
Recent Form
India — L W W W W India have been in outstanding form throughout this tournament. They beat Pakistan in a match that had the whole country watching, and have not dropped a game yet. Even the loss in recent form came in a different series context. Right now, India look the most complete side in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Netherlands — L NR L W L Netherlands’ campaign has been patchy. Their one win kept them briefly alive, but losses around it have been tough to recover from. Their bowlers — particularly Bas de Leede (11 wickets at 6.79 economy in recent matches) — are genuinely dangerous, and India’s second-string lineup could give them a sniff.
Points Table — Group A
| # | Team | M | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +3.050 |
| 4 | Netherlands | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -1.352 |
Check the live Group A standings and full points table for all updated standings after tonight’s result.
Venue — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket ground in the world — capacity over 130,000. It’s a fast outfield, true bounce, and the crowd atmosphere is unlike anything else in cricket. Batting first has generally been the safer option here in T20s, especially under lights when dew can affect grip for spinners in the second innings.
India will feel right at home. Netherlands will need to blank out the noise and focus on their process.
India vs Netherlands — Match Preview
India are expected to rotate their squad tonight. Suryakumar Yadav leads the side with Axar Patel as vice-captain. The real talking points are around who plays — Ishan Kishan could get a start behind the stumps, Rinku Singh might finally bat in a World Cup game, and Tilak Varma could push up the order.
For Netherlands, Max O’Dowd (260 runs at 128 SR recently) and Scott Edwards (242 runs at 129 SR) are their most reliable performers with the bat. Kyle Klein has 13 wickets in his last 9 matches and will be a real threat if India’s openers don’t get after him early.
Want to follow all teams and their squads closely? Check out the complete T20 World Cup 2026 teams page for every squad detail.
Match Prediction
India are clear favourites — even with rotation. Their depth is simply too strong for Netherlands to overcome on most nights. But if India rest four or five key players and Netherlands bowl tight in the powerplay, anything is possible in a T20.
Prediction: India to win, but Netherlands to put up a much stronger fight than their recent results suggest. If there’s dew and Netherlands win the toss, don’t rule out a surprise.
FAQs
Q: Where can I watch India vs Netherlands live for free? Free streaming options vary by country — check your regional broadcaster. Live score updates are available throughout the match.
Q: What time does India vs Netherlands start? The match starts at 7:00 PM IST (19:00 local time) on February 18, 2026 at Ahmedabad.
Q: Is India already qualified for the Super 8? Yes. India qualified with three wins from three Group A matches and are already through.
Q: Will Bumrah play against Netherlands? Likely not — reports suggest India will rotate their squad with this being a dead rubber for them.
Q: What is India’s record vs Netherlands in T20Is? India beat Netherlands by 56 runs in their only previous T20I meeting in October 2022.
Q: Who are the key players to watch for Netherlands? Max O’Dowd with the bat and Bas de Leede with the ball are Netherlands’ biggest threats tonight.
