Ahmedabad, Feb 17 (.) When you play a tournament like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, there are two kinds of matches. One is where survival is at stake.
The other is where standards are. India’s final group encounter against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday clearly falls into the second category.
India have already qualified for the Super 8 stage. Three matches, three convincing wins. The job has been done efficiently, almost clinically. But if there is one thing you learn from watching great teams over decades, it is this – they never switch off. Qualification is not the finish line; it is merely the checkpoint.
This India side has shown admirable balance. The top order has intent, the middle order has maturity, and the bowling has variety. In the last match, Ishan Kishan’s sparkling 77 off 40 balls set the tone. It was not reckless hitting; it was calculated aggression. That is what separates a good innings from a great one.
Suryakumar Yadav continues to marshal the middle overs with composure, while players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube give India the finishing thrust that is so vital in T20 cricket. The pleasing aspect for the team management will be the depth. Even if one or two batsmen fail, there is enough firepower to compensate.
The bowling unit has perhaps been even more impressive. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy have together accounted for 12 wickets in the tournament so far. What stands out is their control. They do not just look for wickets; they build pressure. And pressure, particularly in T20 cricket, forces mistakes.
There is talk that Jasprit Bumrah could be rested to keep him fresh for the Super 8 stage. If that happens, it will not weaken India significantly. It will only test the bench strength. Teams that go deep into tournaments often need 14 or 15 players to contribute, not just the usual eleven.
For the Netherlands, the scenario is entirely different. After a heavy defeat to the USA, they find themselves in a difficult position. But cricket has always been a game of pride. When you are up against a stronger opponent, sometimes that freedom can work in your favour.
Bas de Leede has been their standout performer with both bat and ball. Scott Edwards has shown resilience. What they require now is a collective performance. Against a side like India, you cannot rely on one or two individuals. You need partnerships, both with the bat and in the field.
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium has produced high scores in this tournament. It is a surface that rewards positive stroke play. Fast bowlers may get something early on, but as the game progresses, the batters can dominate. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first, especially if dew sets in during the second innings.
On paper, India are overwhelming favourites. Their recent record, their form, and the familiarity with conditions all tilt the balance heavily in their favour. But cricket has a way of reminding us that nothing can be taken for granted.
For India, this match is about maintaining intensity and carrying momentum into the Super 8s. For the Netherlands, it is about character and competing with courage.
If India play to their potential, they should win comfortably. But the beauty of this game lies in its uncertainties. And that is why we watch.
. . ARN