India eye second straight win as Harmanpreet’s side face Netherlands in Women’s T20 World Cup

A strong 64-run win against Pakistan has lifted India’s spirits, setting the stage for what comes next. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team now turns its attention to a clash with the Netherlands, who are appearing in the tournament for the first time ever. This encounter, labeled Match 10 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, unfolds midweek at Headingley. The city of Leeds hosts the game on Wednesday, offering another chance for momentum to build. With confidence high, India prepares to step onto familiar turf under fresh skies.

India crushed their biggest rival with sharp batting, bowling, and fielding – launching their tournament strongly. Still, behind the scenes, coaches are watching small cracks that could widen when harder games come.

Out front stands Smriti Mandhana, yet again shouldering India’s key hopes up top following her decisive innings against Pakistan. Through the lineup, Harmanpreet Kaur settles into familiar rhythm with seasoned control mid-innings, while power surges late from Richa Ghosh add sharp edges beneath.

India’s Batting and Spin Under Spotlight

Even with a strong win, India’s batters haven’t found rhythm together just yet. Not counting Mandhana and Richa, the rest of the top lineup didn’t deliver much during the first match. Spending longer at bat is on Harmanpreet’s mind, along with Shafali Verma opening again. After a tough performance last time, Bharti Fulmali aims to return with better numbers.

India’s spinners found sharp touch. Not just one, but both Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani tore through Pakistan’s lineup – eight wickets shared. Five of those came from Deepti, a bright sign after shaky prep games. Meanwhile, Charani held firm with steady lines and clever changes in pace.

Yet things could get better from India’s bowlers. Off the mark, Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Gaud didn’t unsettle Pakistan much. This time around, facing the Netherlands, they’re looking to strike fast when the shiny ball gets tossed.

Near the Dutch team, spirits dipped hard following a rough loss to Bangladesh right at the start of play. Babette de Leede, wearing the captain’s badge, said they simply did not measure up anywhere on the day – shaky hands in the field stood out most. Fixing that mess has become top priority before the next match rolls around.

Even if seen as the weaker team, the Netherlands find strength in seasoned players like Sterre Kalis and Heather Siegers. A flawless game might just rattle India, who arrived full of belief.

A single meeting between India and the Netherlands in Women’s T20Is has already happened – India claimed that one. Should they triumph again come Wednesday, Harmanpreet’s team gains Firmer footing toward advancing past group play. On the flip side, the Dutch squad is hungry, chasing their first-ever win at a World Cup event.

Probable XIs

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh.

Netherlands: 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.

Also read: Prince Yadav makes ODI debut as India ring changes against Afghanistan in Lucknow

Head-to-head in Women’s T20Is

Matches: 1
India won: 1
Netherlands won: 0
No Result: 0

India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.

Netherlands squad: 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, Myrthe van den Raad, Hannah Landheer, Lara Leemhuis, Rosalie Lawrence.