Ahead of the eagerly anticipated T20 World Cup match against India in Ahmedabad, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards expressed the team’s excitement about the chance to compete against the reigning champions in a historic venue. The clash is set for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at what is considered the largest stadium in the world.
The Dutch team is determined to leave a mark in the tournament, aiming to create an upset against India or at least offer a formidable challenge before the crucial Super Eight stage. Currently positioned in second place, the Netherlands has secured a victory over Namibia but faced setbacks against Pakistan and the USA.
During a pre-match press conference, Edwards emphasized the significance of the match, stating, “It is obviously a massive opportunity. I think it is the biggest stadium in the world. So, to be playing against India in India at the biggest stadium is something all the guys are really looking forward to. It is a great opportunity to test yourselves against the best.” He highlighted the growth of cricket in the Netherlands and recognized that while soccer dominates, the team hopes their performances will enhance the sport’s appeal back home.
Reflecting on the Netherlands’ T20 World Cup journey since 2009, including notable victories against cricketing giants like South Africa and England, Edwards acknowledged the challenges faced by associate nations. He pointed out that for the Netherlands to progress further in international cricket, more opportunities against Test-playing nations are essential. However, he maintained a focus on delivering their best performance on the world stage, despite funding constraints beyond their control.
The Netherlands has made a remarkable impact on the T20 World Cup landscape since their shocking upset over England in 2009. They have participated in every edition since 2014 and achieved their best finish, eighth place, in the 2022 tournament. In that year, they faced close contests against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, narrowly missing out on a semifinal berth, finishing with four points from five matches.
Addressing their recent loss to the USA, which saw them bow out for just 103 while chasing a target of 197, Edwards admitted it was a disappointing performance. However, he conveyed optimism about moving forward, stating, “But for us, we move on to this game. Obviously, playing against India in Ahmedabad with what will probably be a massive crowd.”
As the Netherlands prepares for this significant matchup, they are focused on embracing the challenge and showcasing their talent on a global platform, all while promoting the growth of cricket in their home country.
The teams set to compete include:
Netherlands: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (w/c), Zach Lion-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Fred Klaassen, Noah Croes, Saqib Zulfiqar, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten.
India: Ishan Kishan (w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh.
This match promises to be an exciting encounter as the Netherlands seeks to make a memorable impact against one of the sport’s titans.