Mandhana, Verma Lead India to Dominant 95-Run Victory Over Netherlands in T20 World Cup
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma's century opening stand powered India to their second consecutive win in Group A, while South Africa also secured a crucial victory.
The story
India Women continued their strong run in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 95-run win against the Netherlands at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday. Asked to bat first, India posted their highest-ever T20 World Cup total of 209/5.
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid a formidable foundation with a 115-run partnership. Mandhana scored 74 runs off 47 balls, marking her second successive half-century, while Verma contributed a maiden tournament fifty with 55 runs off 38 balls.
In response, the Netherlands struggled against India's bowling attack, eventually being bundled out for 114 in 17.3 overs. Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers for India, claiming four wickets for 19 runs, with Shafali Verma also chipping in with three wickets for 20 runs.
The victory solidified India's position at the top of Group A. Elsewhere on Wednesday, South Africa secured their first win of the tournament by defeating Pakistan by two wickets in a tight contest in Birmingham.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Netherlands | WT20I | India won by 95 runs | Smriti Mandhana (IND) 74 runs |
| South Africa vs Pakistan | WT20I | South Africa won by 2 wickets | Annerie Dercksen (SA) 52 runs |
| Australia vs Bangladesh | WT20I | Australia won by 9 wickets | Ellyse Perry (AUS) 2 wickets |
Series in play
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Group stage matches ongoing in England
Tables that matter
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Group A
Position: India (1st), Australia (2nd)
Note: Both teams have four points, with India leading on net run rate. South Africa is 3rd with two points.
ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings
Position: Australia (1st), England (2nd), India (3rd)
Note: Australia maintains top spot, followed by England and India.
What we'll be watching
- West Indies vs Scotland (ICC Women's T20 World Cup, June 18, Headingley, Leeds)
- New Zealand vs Ireland (ICC Women's T20 World Cup, June 19, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton)
- Australia vs Netherlands (ICC Women's T20 World Cup, June 20, The Ageas Bowl, Southampton)
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh (ICC Women's T20 World Cup, June 20, The Ageas Bowl, Southampton)
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