ICC T20 World Cup 2026: India set stage for Pakistan clash after thrashing Namibia
2026-02-13 - 05:36
NEW DELHI – India delivered a commanding performance ahead of their much-anticipated clash with Pakistan, crushing Namibia by 93 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday in the T20 World Cup. With a high-stakes encounter against Pakistan scheduled in Colombo on Sunday, India sharpened their form in emphatic fashion. Explosive opener Ishan Kishan led the charge, blasting 61 from only 24 deliveries to power India to 209 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. After winning the toss and opting to field, Namibia found themselves under relentless pressure. Despite a brisk start, they were eventually bundled out for 116 in 18.2 overs. The result ensured India registered their second straight win in Group A, matching Pakistan’s record in the group stage so far. Spin proved decisive for the defending champions. Varun Chakravarthy dismantled Namibia’s momentum with a stunning spell of 3 for 7 in just two overs. He struck with his very first delivery to dismiss Louren Steenkamp for 29 and added two more wickets in his next over. Axar Patel also made vital breakthroughs, claiming two wickets with his left-arm spin. One of his key dismissals came when Jasprit Bumrah completed a sharp diving catch at short fine-leg to remove Malan Kruger. Hardik Pandya chipped in with two wickets in consecutive balls late in the innings, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick as Namibia’s resistance folded. Earlier, India’s innings had begun at a blistering pace. Kishan tore into left-arm pacer JJ Smit, smashing four sixes and a boundary in a single over to bring up his half-century in just 20 balls. Sanju Samson contributed a quickfire 22 off eight deliveries as India raced to 100 inside seven overs. However, Namibia clawed back briefly when off-spinner Gerhard Erasmus removed Kishan with his first ball and went on to claim 4 for 20 from his four overs. India stumbled from 104 for 1 to 124 for 4, but Pandya steadied the innings with a crucial 52, sharing an 81-run fifth-wicket partnership with Shivam Dube, who added 23. Pandya’s dismissal was spectacular. Substitute fielder Dylan Leicher completed a remarkable catch near the boundary — collecting the ball while running, tossing it back into play as he stepped over the rope, and returning to finish the grab. India’s comprehensive victory extended their unbeaten streak in T20 World Cups to 10 matches. They currently lead Group A on net run rate ahead of Pakistan, with Sunday’s showdown set to determine which side secures early qualification for the Super Eight stage.