Colombo, February 18 India captain Suryakumar Yadav said his team has achieved almost all its objectives in the group stage, expressing satisfaction with the collective batting effort as it heads into the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup.
India's top order struggled against off-spinner Aryan Dutt before Shivam Dube smashed a 31-ball 66 to help them reach 193 for six.
In reply, India restricted the Netherlands to 176 for seven in 20 overs to secure a 17-run win, their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, and finish at the top of Group A.
"We have achieved a lot. Even when you win, you learn a lot, and we did today," Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.
"We wanted to bat first, and we scored 190. There was some dew, which made it a little challenging for the bowlers, but overall, I am very happy."
India were 69 for three in nine overs before Dube counter-attacked in the middle overs.
Suryakumar said such contributions were crucial, especially if the team finds itself in similar situations later in the tournament.
"We might be in a similar situation (losing early wickets), but it is important for the batters to understand their responsibility. We have the firepower (later).
"Contributions from every batter. One or two might have a good day, but we need contributions from everyone."
Praising Dube's innings, he said: "When he (Dube) played in Vizag (against NZ), he also had a good innings. He wanted to win the Player of the Match award that day too, but (for India) to reach 190 (tonight) was amazing."
India used as many as seven bowlers in the match, something the captain described as a positive situation.
"Sometimes it is a good headache to have. We have a lot of options. On a given day, whatever the wicket demands, they can contribute. I am happy with how things are going."
Dube said he had to curb his natural attacking instincts to suit the surface.
"It was a little challenging, as this is the kind of batting I enjoy. I was under pressure, but I was still enjoying it. The ball was skidding and keeping low. One of the balls also spun," Dube said.
"For me, I knew I could hit, but the situation demanded something different. I try to hit boundaries and enjoy hitting sixes. I know all the bowlers are going to bowl slower balls, so I prepared myself."
Dube added that while he is encouraged to maintain a high strike rate, match awareness remains key.
"As the captain and coach have told me, I have to maintain a high strike rate. But it also depends on the situation. Today, I could not maintain a high strike rate (immediately). There was something, and I thought this was the right time for me to do it."
The left-handed batsman also pointed to improvement in his bowling.
"I am working hard on my bowling. The results are coming. You will get hit sometimes, but you will also pick wickets," he said.
