Fans celebrate as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma star in India’s emphatic triumph over the Netherlands in the Women’s T20 World Cup

Jun 18, 2026

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Cricket fans worldwide are celebrating a masterclass performance as India Women secured a thumping 95-run victory over the Netherlands Women in the 10th match of Group 1 at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Staged at the historic Headingley cricket ground in Leeds on June 17, 2026, the encounter turned out to be a complete mismatch. Driven by spectacular batting at the top and a clinical bowling performance, the Women in Blue completely outclassed their European opponents to solidify their position in the tournament.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s opening stand powers India to a massive total

Winning the toss and electing to bat, India’s opening duo laid down a devastating marker. Player of the Match Smriti Mandhana and the explosive Shafali Verma unleashed an absolute clinic, putting together a mammoth 115-run opening partnership in just 11.4 overs. They targeted the Dutch bowling line-up right from the Powerplay, racing to 59 runs within the first 6 overs.

Verma was the first to cross her half-century, hammering a fiery 55 off just 38 deliveries, peppered with 10 boundaries and an array of aggressive strokes before falling to Heather Siegers. Mandhana continued her sublime touch, holding the innings together with a stylish 74 runs from 47 balls. Her elegant knock included 11 fours and a massive six, scoring at a striking rate of 157.44.

Following the dynamic opening stand, Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with a brisk 19 off 13 balls. Though the Dutch side found momentary breakthroughs, with Caroline de Lange taking 2 wickets for 32 runs, India’s middle order kept the pressure on. Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on a quick-fire 20 off just 8 balls at a strike rate of 250.00, while Deepti Sharma added 10 runs off 2 balls at the death. Backed by 16 extras conceded by a struggling Dutch bowling unit, India posted a towering total of 209/5 in their allotted 20 overs, keeping a run rate well above 10 runs per over.

India’s disciplined bowling rips through Netherland’s batting line-up

Chasing a target of 210 runs was always going to be an uphill battle for the Netherlands, and India’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the minnows never got close. The Dutch chase started cautiously, managing only 39 runs for the loss of 1 wicket during their mandatory Powerplay.

While captain Babette de Leede fought a lonely battle with a top score of 28 off 27 balls and opener Heather Siegers contributed 21 runs, the rest of the batting order crumbled under relentless pressure. India’s bowling variations completely choked the runs, pushing the required run rate into impossibility.

The star with the ball was Shree Charani, who tore through the middle and lower order with an exceptional spell. Charani registered incredible figures of 4 wickets for just 19 runs in her 4 overs, maintaining a phenomenal economy rate of 4.75. Nandani Sharma provided crucial early breakthroughs, picking up 2 wickets for 22 runs, while the multifaceted Verma clean-swept the tail, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs in 3.2 overs.

The Netherlands suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing their final five wickets for a mere one run, plummeting from 113/5 to 114 all out in 17.3 overs. Mandhana capped off her stellar day with two clinical catches, while wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh was sharp behind the stumps with three stumpings. Ultimately, India wrapped up an emphatic 95-run victory, sending a strong warning to the rest of the field in the T20 World Cup.

Also WATCH: Sophie Molineux takes stunning diving catch to send Sobhana Mostary packing in AUS vs BAN Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Amelia Kerr hits the bullseye to dismiss Hasini Perera in NZ vs SL clash at Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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