New Delhi: India registered their second consecutive victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, crushing the Netherlands by 95 runs on Wednesday, but the commanding performance was overshadowed by an injury scare to off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on a batting masterclass as India posted 209/5, their highest-ever total in the tournament’s history. Mandhana struck a fluent 74 off 47 balls, while Shafali smashed 55 off 38 deliveries as the duo stitched together a blistering 115-run partnership in just 70 balls after the Netherlands elected to field.
The Dutch bowlers had no answers to India’s aggressive approach, with the opening pair laying the foundation for a daunting total.
Chasing 210, the Netherlands never looked in contention despite fighting knocks from captain Babette de Leede, who scored 28 off 27 balls, and Sterre Kallis, who made 18 off 13 deliveries. The Indian bowlers kept up the pressure and bundled out their opponents for 114 in 17.3 overs to secure a comprehensive victory.
However, India’s celebrations were tempered by concerns over Shreyanka Patil’s fitness. The off-spinner twisted her ankle while fielding off her very first ball of the match and had to be stretchered off the field, raising doubts over her availability for the team’s next game.
The extent of the injury is yet to be known, but India will be hoping for positive news as they prepare to take on a stronger South African side in Manchester on June 21.
With back-to-back wins and a healthy net run rate, India have made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign, though Shreyanka’s fitness could become a major talking point in the days ahead.
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