Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma Star as Women in Blue Thrash Netherlands by 95 Runs
An absolute masterclass in T20 cricket unfolded at Headingley as the India Women’s National Cricket Team systematically dismantled the Netherlands by 95 runs in their group-stage clash of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Riding on powerhouse half-centuries from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, India posted a monumental 209/5—their highest-ever team total in Women's T20 World Cup history. In response, a clinical Indian bowling attack collapsed the Dutch lineup, bundling them out for just 114 runs in 17.3 overs.
The Opening Fireworks: Mandhana & Shafali Go Aerial
After the Netherlands won the toss and elected to bowl first, their decision quickly backfired. The Indian opening pair of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma took control from the opening over.
Mandhana anchored the innings with a brilliant, elegant 74 off 47 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and a towering six. On the other end, Shafali Verma brought pure aggression, smashing a fiery 55 off 38 deliveries. Their explosive partnership completely deflated the Dutch bowling unit early on and set the tone for India's historic total.
Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (20 off 8 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues (19) ensured the momentum didn't slow down, guiding India comfortably past the 200-run mark.
The Dutch Chase crumbles under relentless pressure
Chasing a daunting target of 210 runs at over 10 runs per over was always going to be an uphill battle for the Netherlands. While opener Babette de Leede played a brave hand of 28 off 27 balls, she found absolutely no support from the other end.
The Indian spinners completely strangled the run flow in the middle overs. Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers, turning the game into a personal highlight reel by picking up a devastating 4 wickets for just 19 runs in her 4-over spell.
To add to her batting heroics, Shafali Verma turned magic with the ball too, cleaning up the lower order with career-best figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs, capping off a magnificent all-round performance.
With this emphatic victory, India dramatically boosts its Net Run Rate (NRR), solidifying its position near the top of Group A. The Women in Blue look clinical, well-balanced, and primed for a serious title run as the tournament progresses.
