Mandhana, Shafali fire as India crush Netherlands to go top of Group A

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 18, 2026

India continued their impressive start to the Women's T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 95-run victory over the Netherlands in Leeds, moving to the top of Group A on net run-rate.

Asked to bat first, openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation with a 115-run partnership. Shafali struck 55 off 40 balls to register her maiden T20 World Cup half-century, while Mandhana followed up her fifty against Pakistan with a commanding 74.

After Shafali's dismissal, Mandhana accelerated further before falling to legspinner Caroline de Lange, who was the pick of the Netherlands bowlers with 2-32.

Late cameos from Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma helped India post 209-5, their highest total in Women's T20 World Cup history.

The Netherlands started steadily in pursuit of the daunting target, with captain Babette de Leede top-scoring with 28.

However, India's bowlers tightened their grip after the PowerPlay. Shree Charani starred with the ball, claiming 4-19 and nearly securing a hat-trick, while Shafali chipped in with 3-20 and Nandni Sharma picked up two wickets.

The Dutch innings folded for 114 in 17.3 overs, losing their final five wickets for just one run. India's only concern was an injury to Shreyanka Patil, who had to be stretchered off after twisting her ankle while fielding.