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.