India delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat the Netherlands by 95 runs in their first-ever ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 meeting at Headingley, Leeds.
Powered by a brilliant opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, India posted 209/5 - their highest total in Women's T20 World Cup history. The opening pair added 115 runs, giving India a perfect platform before the middle order and Deepti Sharma provided late acceleration.
Mandhana continued her excellent form with a superb 74 off 47 balls, registering her second consecutive half-century of the tournament. Verma was equally impressive, smashing 55 from 38 deliveries as the duo dominated the Dutch bowling attack from the outset.
For the Netherlands, Caroline de Lange
was the most successful bowler with 2/32, while Heather Siegers created history by becoming the first Dutch player to take a T20I wicket against India. She also scored the Netherlands' first boundary ever against India.
Chasing a daunting 210, the Netherlands showed positive intent early on, with Siegers making 21 and captain Babette de Leede contributing 28. However, the required run rate kept climbing, and India's bowlers gradually took control.
Sree Charani starred with the ball, claiming 4/19, including three wickets in a single over to break the backbone of the chase. Verma capped off an outstanding all-round display by taking 3/20, while Nandni Sharma chipped in with two wickets.
The Netherlands were eventually bowled out for 114 in 17.3 overs, handing India a comprehensive victory and a significant boost in their quest for a semi-final spot in the tournament.
Scores:
India 209/5 (20 overs) - Smriti Mandhana 74, Shafali Verma 55
Netherlands 114 all out (17.3 overs) - Babette de Leede 28, Heather Siegers 21
India won by 95 runs.
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