India entered the T20 World Cup with expectations of posting 300-plus totals at home, but that explosive benchmark has remained out of reach so far. After three group matches, Suryakumar Yadav’s side has secured six points and a Super Eight berth, yet their highest total while batting first has been 209/9 against Namibia in New Delhi.
As they return from Colombo to face the Netherlands in their final group game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the focus is firmly on breaching the 210 mark. Notably, South Africa has already scored 213 in a day-night match at this venue during the tournament.
The Netherlands have lost all four of their previous encounters against India and enters this contest with little to lose. For India, however, this fixture serves as crucial preparation ahead of their Super Eight clash against South Africa on February 22 at the same ground.
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Ahmedabad is known for offering a true batting surface, unlike the slower wicket in Colombo, raising hopes of a big total if India bat first.
Top order under spotlight ahead of Super Eight test
Opener Abhishek Sharma will be under scrutiny after failing to score in his two appearances so far, including a duck against Pakistan when dismissed early by off-spinner Salman Agha. The Dutch may consider opening with off-spinner Aryan Dutt, but the Ahmedabad pitch is expected to offer better stroke play conditions. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan arrives in strong form with consecutive half-centuries, though no Indian batter has reached a century in this World Cup yet. A strong start from the Abhishek-Ishan duo could set the tone in the powerplay.
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In terms of team changes, Arshdeep Singh could return to the playing XI in place of Kuldeep, given the quicker nature of the Ahmedabad surface. With Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack, Arshdeep may be better suited to the conditions.
While the Pakistan win is behind them, the team management remains focused on bigger challenges ahead. Gautam Gambhir and the leadership group understand that the real test begins in the Super Eight, where even minor errors could prove costly.
For now, India aim to stick to their aggressive brand of cricket and build momentum.
