India are up and running in the Women’s T20 World Cup, and they could hardly have asked for a better start to their campaign after a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan in their opening match. Their attention now turns to Wednesday’s clash against tournament debutants Netherlands at Headingley in Leeds.
While India will start as overwhelming favourites, the match presents an opportunity that goes beyond securing two points. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side are yet to face the tournament heavyweights, including Australia and South Africa, meaning they have not been tested to their fullest extent.
As a result, the encounter against the Netherlands offers India a valuable chance to fine-tune their combinations, build momentum, and address any areas of concern before tougher challenges lie ahead.
WILL SHAFALI RETURN TO FORM?
Going into the next game, one of India’s biggest concerns will be the form of Shafali Verma, who has endured a lean run with the bat in recent weeks. In her last six T20Is, Shafali has managed only 54 runs at an average of nine. She was in excellent touch during the early stages of India’s tour of South Africa earlier this year but has since struggled to maintain that form.
Against Pakistan, Shafali showed glimpses of her explosive ability when she launched Sadia Iqbal for a towering six straight down the ground. However, in the same over, she was undone by a steeply rising delivery from the left-arm spinner and was dismissed.
Ahead of the World Cup, India’s opening combination was a cause for concern, with both openers searching for runs. While Smriti Mandhana has already returned to form with a sparkling 68 against Pakistan, Shafali is still looking to rediscover her rhythm. A substantial score against the Netherlands could do wonders for her confidence ahead of India’s crucial clash with South Africa.
YASTIKA OVER FULMALI?
Bharti Fulmali scored a half-century against the West Indies in the warm-ups, but she endured a disappointing outing against Pakistan, falling to Sadia Iqbal. She also had an off day in the field, leading to questions about her place in the playing XI. If India decide to leave Fulmali out, the focus will shift to who could replace her.
Former India batter and ex-chief selector Hemlata Kala believes Yastika Bhatia should be given an opportunity. Kala said Yastika offers valuable flexibility, as she can bat not only in the top order but also in the middle order when required.
“I would like to see Yastika in the playing eleven. She doesn’t have to bat at No.3 necessarily. She can also play in the middle order, and we should use her. She also did well in the recent series against England,” Kala told PTI.
Yastika recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff and impressed during India’s tour of England, including a 31-ball half-century in the opening match of the series. She also looked in good touch during the warm-up games, making her a strong option for India against the Netherlands.
WILL RENUKA SINGH RETURN?
Renuka Singh Thakur is expected to be India’s lead pacer, but she did not feature in the match against Pakistan. In her absence, Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Goud were preferred with the new ball, but the duo struggled, conceding 35 runs in their three overs and allowing Pakistan a strong start in the powerplay.
Renuka has not been a regular in the side since returning from an injury layoff last September. However, India may need to give her consistent opportunities to regain rhythm ahead of key matches in the tournament.
Against Pakistan, the spinners eventually pulled things back and helped India secure a comfortable win. But had the spin attack faltered, the early overs from Arundhati and Kranti could have left India under significant pressure.
India also have the option of Nandni Sharma, who impressed during the bilateral series against England with a three-wicket haul on her debut.
HOW GOOD ARE NETHERLANDS?
While the focus will be on the Indian team, the Netherlands should not be completely underestimated. Babette de Leede’s side made Bangladesh work hard in their previous match before eventually falling short.
Richa Ghosh has also warned against taking the opposition lightly, stressing that India must not undermine their challenge. She acknowledged the threat posed by the Dutch side, particularly their bowling attack.
“I saw them before the World Cup. I watched their games and they have good bowlers. For them, it’s the first time, right? So they are doing really well,” Richa said in the pre-match press conference.
“Every team can perform well, and I think they’ve done really well, which is why they are here. We are not taking any team lightly and are just looking forward to the challenge,” she added.
Players like Iris Zwilling, who has over 100 T20I wickets, along with Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers, have been key contributors for the Netherlands.
India will start as favourites in the next game, but the Dutch remain a side to watch given their recent rise and performances.
India Women vs Netherlands Women Head-to-Head
India and the Netherlands are yet to face each other in Women’s T20Is. However, the two sides have met three times in Women’s ODIs, with India holding a 3-0 head-to-head record.
India Women vs Netherlands Women Full Squads
India Women
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
Netherlands Women
Sterre Kalis, Sanya Khurana, Phebe Molkenboer, Babette de Leede (c) (wk), Robine Rijke, Iris Zwilling, Heather Siegers, Frederique Overdijk, Caroline de Lange, Silver Siegers, Isabel Woning
When to watch India vs Netherlands Women’s T20 World Cup clash?
The clash between India and Netherlands will start at 7 PM IST and 2:30 PM local time.
Where to watch India vs Netherlands Women’s T20 World Cup clash?
Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Live Streaming of the match will be available on JioHotstar.
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