Netherlands aim to topple USA to stay in contention for 'something special'

While frustration over their failure to topple Pakistan remains, the Netherlands can still keep themselves in contention for a Super 8 berth. A win over Namibia helped, but sterner tests await. Ahead of their next fixture against the USA, Netherlands veteran Logan van Beek spoke about heading into their final group clash against India with the spirit of doing 'something special'.

Defeating what is perhaps the best T20 outfit in the world would indeed be special. For now, they have a job in Chennai—a new venue after playing in Colombo and Delhi, testing their adaptability.

This will also be their first night fixture this edition, where chasing could offer an advantage. A win would keep the loser of the India-Pakistan clash on their toes.

For the USA, the incentive isn't as large. Mathematically, they can still repeat their 2024 heroics of reaching the last 8, but losing to both India and Pakistan has impacted them. Qualification is no longer in their own hands even if they win their two remaining fixtures.

They stretched Pakistan and had India pinned at 77 for 6, but a lack of exposure at this level showed—a point stressed by Shayan Jahangir in a plea for more ICC funds during the pre-match press conference.

When: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to expect: The surfaces in Chennai haven't been overtly spin-friendly, with bat dominating ball. Dew will be a factor.

USA Probable XI: Andries Gous (w), Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan/Ehsan Adil, Saurabh Netravalkar

Netherlands Probable XI: Michael Levitt, Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (w/c), Zach Lion Cachet, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren/Timm van der Gugten, Fred Klaassen

Stats:

• USA have never beaten Netherlands (0 wins in 6 matches: three ODIs, three T20Is).
• Seven of the last nine T20s at Chepauk since January 2025 have been won by the chasing side.

Quotes:

• "We don't have the money to have those comps, have those big grounds… if we have that funding from ICC… there's so much talent in associate cricket." — USA's Shayan Jahangir
• "What we have to do tomorrow night is put in a good performance against USA and then move into that India match with the spirit of we're going to do something special." — Netherlands' Logan van Beek