Women's T20 World Cup: Mandhana-Shafali-Charani cast spell on Netherlands with 95-run triumph to record 2nd win in a row

India put on a clinical show to pulverise Netherlands by 95 runs in their Group A match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Headingley, Leeds on June 17. This was India's second successive win in the ongoing tournament after crushing Pakistan in the campaign opener. India will next take on South Africa on June 21 in Manchester.

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India crush Netherlands by 95 runs

The clinical victory carries immense significance for India, as it not only greatly strengthens their semifinal qualification hopes but also propels them to the top of the Group A standings. Thanks to the massive margin of victory, India now boast a superior net run rate of 3.98, narrowly edging past arch-rivals Australia, who sit just behind with a net run rate of 3.88.

After being put in to bat, the Indian batting lineup firing on all cylinders to post a mammoth 209/5, marking their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history. Facing a daunting target of 210, the Netherlands struggled heavily to establish any momentum against a disciplined bowling unit and were eventually bundled out for just 114 in 17.3 overs.

Mandhana-Shafali takes Netherlands bowlers to cleaners

The foundation of India's record-breaking innings was laid by openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who utterly dominated the Dutch bowling attack with an explosive 115-run opening partnership. Mandhana led the charge, top-scoring with a brilliant 74 off 47 balls, while Verma provided excellent support with a solid 55 off 38 balls. The momentum was seamlessly carried forward by the middle order, with quick-fire cameos from Richa Ghosh, who smashed 20 off just 8 deliveries, and Deepti Sharma, who added 10 off 2 balls, to propel India past the 200-run milestone.

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Shree Charani-Shafali Verma dismantle Netherlands batting line-up

The Dutch chase never threatened the target as wickets fell at regular intervals. India's bowlers riding on Shree Charani's superlative 4/19, choked the run rate from the outset, ensuring the required equation quickly climbed out of reach. Putting the finishing touches on a spectacular individual display, Shafali Verma (3/20) capped off her stellar all-round performance by taking the final wicket in the 18th over to secure a comprehensive and statement-making victory for her side.

India will head into the next match with a massive injury scare as their star spinner Shreyanka Patil sustained a serious ankle injury and was stretchered off the field in middle of the match. However, BCCI is yet to give an update on Shreyanka.