India look to iron out flaws as Netherlands dare to dream

Netherlands are carrying a clear objective into the 2026 T20 World Cup: finish in the top eight to secure qualification for the next edition. After missing their best chance against Bangladesh, they now need two wins from five games and are eyeing upsets.

Head coach Neil Macrae admitted the opening-game nerves have settled: "Nothing prepares you for your first T20 World Cup experience. Having experienced that, players are much better placed."

Netherlands face an Indian side looking to justify its growth in world cricket. Despite a big win over Pakistan, India's campaign started rustily and they seek a flawless performance.

Sterre Kalis, who plays for Yorkshire, has shared insights about conditions. The team also trained at the venue during a Yorkshire tour two years ago.

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 2:30 PM Local / 7:00 PM IST

Where: Headingley, Leeds

What to expect: Headingley has been a slower-scoring venue in The Hundred, with long square boundaries suiting shorter bowling lengths. A fast outfield rewards back-foot batters.

India: Harmanpreet Kaur had a lengthy net session, smashing balls hard after range-hitting. Nandni Sharma bowled with pace and sharp bouncers. An extra pacer may be considered given the ground dimensions.

Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharati Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud

Netherlands: A last-minute venue change sent training to York's ground, over an hour from the hotel. The coach called it a "great session" that relaxed the players.

Probable XI: Heather Siegers, Phebe Molkenboer, Babette de Leede (c & wk), Sterre Kalis, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Frederique Overdijk, Iris Zwilling, Caroline de Lange, Silver Siegers, Isabel Woning

Headingley has hosted only one women's T20I (just two sixes) and one women's ODI (in 2018).

Richa Ghosh on her recent lean patch: "I spoke to Harry di (Harmanpreet Kaur) and all the seniors – Smirti (Mandhana) and (Amol Muzumdar) sir too. They just said, 'don't worry, just play your game and just stay focussed'."

Neil Macrae: "We are very aware of the size of Indian cricket. For our players to be on the same field is such an exciting prospect. We are just waiting to put on a show."