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NEW DELHI: Shivam Dube delivered a momentum-shifting innings before Varun Chakravarthy struck with another sharp spell to guide India to a convincing 17-run win over the Netherlands in their final league match of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Even though the top order struggled against off-spinner Aryan Dutt, India posted a competitive 193 for six thanks to Dube’s explosive 66 off 31 balls in the latter half of the innings.

The Netherlands were always playing catch-up in the chase, and Chakravarthy (3/14 in 3 overs) effectively shut the door with strikes in both the powerplay and middle overs.

Chakravarthy’s double blow turns the game

Sticking to his strengths, the mystery spinner attacked the stumps relentlessly, dismissing Colin Ackermann and Dutt off successive deliveries in the 13th over to leave the Netherlands reeling at 94 for four.

Soon after, a well-set Bas de Leede and skipper Scott Edwards were sent back, extinguishing hopes for the associate side, who concluded their campaign with three defeats and one win.

Zach Lion-Cachet (26 not out off 16) and Noah Croes (25 not out off 12) added late excitement but were left with too steep a target, despite collecting 18 runs off Hardik Pandya in the 19th over.

Anticipating tougher contests ahead, Suryakumar Yadav handed the final over to Dube instead of Jasprit Bumrah. Despite two dropped chances, Dube successfully defended 28 off the final six balls as the Netherlands finished at 176 for seven in 20 overs.

India unbeaten but spin concerns remain

Tournament favourites India now head into their opening Super 8 fixture against South Africa as the only unbeaten side from Group A. However, their vulnerability against spin remains an area of concern.

Choosing to bat first, India had hoped for Abhishek Sharma to rediscover his form before the Super 8 stage, but the left-hander endured his third straight duck of the tournament. Despite entering the competition in prime form, he is yet to score in his maiden ICC event.

In earlier matches, the off-spin of Gerhard Erasmus, along with Usman Qadir and Saim Ayub, had troubled India. This time, it was Dutt who shone against the star-studded hosts at the world’s largest cricket stadium.

Dutt rattles top order before Dube counterattacks

On the eve of the contest, Indian batters had worked extensively on tackling spin in the nets, but improvement is still required going forward.

While Dutt stood out, the Netherlands pacers also kept the pressure on with clever variations.

Dutt, often trusted to open the bowling, was introduced for three powerplay overs to counter the left-handed trio of Abhishek, Ishan Kishan (18 off 7) and Tilak Varma (31 off 27).

After facing two dot balls in the opening over, Abhishek attempted a pull off a quicker delivery from Dutt but saw his stumps shattered.

Kishan started brightly before departing in unusual fashion. Attempting a leg-side shot, he ended up deflecting the ball onto his stumps via his thigh and elbow.

Tilak, who had earlier launched Logan van Beek for a straight six, fell to the same bowler in the ninth over, with 41-year-old Roelof van der Merwe taking a stunning catch at long-off.

India might have been four down inside 10 overs had Michael Levitt not spilled a straightforward chance off van Beek when Suryakumar was on 13.

Having crawled to 74 for three in 10 overs, Dube injected much-needed impetus with six towering sixes, many dispatched over cow corner. Initially tested by Dutt, he soon freed his arms by clearing his front leg and began clearing the ropes at will.

Dube stitched together a 76-run partnership with Hardik (30 off 21), providing the late surge as India amassed 75 runs in the final five overs.

(With PTI Inputs)