Ahmedabad: The city is set to host a high-voltage clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as India take on the Netherlands on February 18 at the world’s largest cricket ground, Narendra Modi Stadium.

India Arrive in Ahmedabad After Pakistan Win

Ahead of the match day tomorrow, the Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, reached Ahmedabad following an easy victory over Pakistan. Fans gathered at the airport to give the players a rousing welcome, chanting patriotic slogans and celebrating the team’s strong performance in the tournament so far.

The squad is staying at the ITC Narmada Hotel, where the players received a traditional welcome along with specially prepared sweets and energy snacks in their rooms. The festive atmosphere across Ahmedabad reflects the excitement building ahead of the crucial Group A fixture.

Match Significance in Group A Standings

The day-night encounter will begin at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 6:30 PM. The match will be streamed on JioHotstar and broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.

India currently top Group A with three wins in three matches and a strong net run rate, placing them firmly on the path toward the Super-8 stage. The Netherlands, positioned lower in the standings, will be eager to cause an upset and keep their qualification hopes alive, making the February 18 encounter strategically important for both sides.

Captains and Key Player Profiles

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, a right-handed batter and part-time medium pacer, has amassed over 3,100 T20I runs, including a highest score of 117 against England, and remains one of the format’s most explosive stroke-makers.

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter known for his sweep-shot mastery, has scored 1,301 runs in 76 T20I innings and will anchor his team’s batting lineup.

Full Squads for India vs Netherlands

India:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma.

Netherlands:
Roelof van der Merwe, Colin Ackermann, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren, Max O’Dowd, Saqib Zulfiqar, Fred Klaassen, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Aryan Dutt, Michael Levitt, Noah Croes, Zach Lion-Cachet, Kyle Klein.

Special Metro Services Announced for Match Days

To manage the expected surge in spectators, Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has extended metro services in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on T20 World Cup match days, including February 18.

Metro trains will operate until 12:30 AM, with special late-night services from Motera Stadium, Old High Court interchange, and Sabarmati to key city destinations. Additional trains will also run between Motera Stadium and Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, along with special return paper tickets to ensure smooth post-match travel for fans.

City Gears Up for a Cricket Celebration

With India unbeaten in the group stage and fans expected to pack the world’s largest cricket stadium, Ahmedabad is witnessing a celebratory atmosphere ahead of the marquee clash. Supporters are preparing to cheer the Men in Blue as they aim to secure another victory and strengthen their march toward the Super-8s in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Other Matches Scheduled at Motera Stadium

This will be India’s first match at this stadium in the tournament. Three matches of the Super-8 stage are scheduled to be played here, though the participating teams will be determined later.

Match 3 of the Super-8 stage will be held on February 22, followed by Match 7 on February 26. The third major fixture likely to be played in Ahmedabad is the final on March 8. However, there is a caveat: if Pakistan qualify among the top two teams, the final will be shifted from Ahmedabad to Colombo, as India and Pakistan do not play matches in each other’s countries and instead opt for a neutral venue. DeshGujarat