- India,
- 18-Feb-2026 08:41 AM IST
The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play its final group stage match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands. This encounter is set to take place on February 18, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While India aims to maintain its winning momentum heading into the knockout stages, the Netherlands will be looking to conclude their group campaign with a significant performance against one of the tournament favorites.
Match Schedule and Toss Timings
The match between India and the Netherlands is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM IST. According to the official schedule, the toss will take place at 6:30 PM IST, thirty minutes prior to the first ball. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian side, while the Netherlands will be captained by Scott Edwards. The timing of the match is aligned with prime-time broadcasting in India, ensuring maximum viewership for this group stage fixture.
Television Broadcasting and Digital Streaming Rights
The Star Sports Network holds the official broadcasting rights for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Fans can catch the live action on various channels including Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2, and Star Sports 1 Hindi. For digital viewers, the match will be streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar application and website. The platform has announced that mobile users can access the live stream of the tournament matches without a subscription fee, requiring only an active data connection.
How to Watch India vs Netherlands for Free
There are multiple ways for fans to watch the match for free. Mobile users can download the Disney+ Hotstar app to stream the game at no cost. Also, for television viewers, the match will be telecast live on the DD Sports channel. This free-to-air service is specifically available for users of the DD Free Dish platform. It's important to note that the free telecast on DD Sports is generally restricted to the terrestrial network and DD Free Dish, and may not be available on private DTH platforms.
Venue Spotlight: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium, known for being the largest cricket stadium in the world, will host this encounter, while 32 lakh, the venue is expected to see a significant turnout. The pitch at Ahmedabad has historically offered a balance between bat and ball, though the evening start suggests that the dew factor might influence the second innings. This stadium has been a regular venue for high-profile international matches and IPL fixtures, providing world-class facilities for both players and spectators.
Team Leadership and Squad Overview
India enters this match with a strong squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, focusing on maintaining their tactical consistency. The Netherlands, under Scott Edwards, has shown resilience in international tournaments despite having won only one match in the current edition so far. The match provides an opportunity for the Indian team management to assess player form before the critical knockout phase begins. Both teams are expected to field their strongest possible playing elevens for this final group encounter in Ahmedabad.
