IND vs NAM: In a commanding performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, February 12, the Indian men’s cricket team produced a clinical display to defeat Namibia by 93 runs in their Group A encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and elected to bowl first. India made two changes to their playing XI, with Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah coming in for Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj. Providing an update on Abhishek’s fitness, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “Abhishek isn’t fine still, might take one or two games.”
Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan walked out to open the innings for India. Samson provided a blistering start, scoring 22 off just 8 balls before departing at the end of the second over. Kishan carried forward the early momentum as India raced to 86 runs by the end of the powerplay. In the process, he brought up a stunning half-century off just 20 deliveries.
Namibia found a moment of respite when skipper Gerhard Erasmus introduced himself into the attack. The move paid immediate dividends, as Erasmus dismissed Kishan with his very first ball. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter walked back after a scintillating 61 off 24 balls.
India then experienced a brief slowdown as Erasmus and his fellow bowlers tightened the screws. Suryakumar Yadav fell for 12, Tilak Varma for 25, and Shivam Dube for 23, giving Namibia a chance to claw back into the contest.
However, India’s depth once again came to the fore. Hardik Pandya played a calculated yet aggressive knock, first stabilising the innings and then accelerating in the latter stages. His 52 off 28 balls, featuring towering sixes all around the ground, ensured India regained complete control. At the end of 20 overs, India posted a formidable 209/9, with Erasmus returning impressive figures of 4 for 20.
In reply, Namibia got off to a steady start, reaching 57/1 at the end of the powerplay. But their innings began to unravel once Varun Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack. The mystery spinner made an immediate impact, claiming three wickets in his two overs and shifting the momentum decisively in India’s favour.
At 88/4 after 10 overs, Namibia found themselves under mounting pressure. Axar Patel intensified the squeeze, and the combined force of India’s pace and spin attack proved too strong to withstand. The Namibian batting line-up collapsed and was bowled out for 116.
India sealed a comprehensive 93-run victory, moving to the top of the Group A standings with four points. Pakistan sit close behind in second place.
Hardik Pandya was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, a blistering 52 off 28 balls with the bat and impressive figures of 2 for 21 with the ball.
– Magizh
