T20 World Cup 2026: India defeat Namibia by 93 runs

New Delhi (Web Desk): India produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash Namibia by 93 runs in the 18th group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.

Strong half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, followed by a sharp bowling display led by Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, powered the defending champions to a comprehensive win.

Chasing a challenging target of 210 runs, Namibia were bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs despite a promising beginning.

The Eagles reached 67 for one in the seventh over before losing momentum after Louren Steenkamp was dismissed at the start of consecutive overs, triggering a dramatic collapse in which the remaining eight wickets fell for just 49 runs.

Steenkamp top-scored with 29 off 20 balls, while opening partner Jan Frylinck added 20 from 15 deliveries. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton made 13, captain Gerhard Erasmus scored 18, and wicketkeeper Zane Green chipped in with 11 — but none could withstand India’s disciplined attack.

Chakravarthy was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya claimed two each. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube also took a wicket apiece.

Earlier, Namibia’s decision to bowl first proved costly as India posted a competitive 209 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

Sanju Samson gave India a brisk start before falling for 22 off eight balls to Ben Shikongo. After the early loss, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma steadied and accelerated the innings with a rapid 79-run stand for the second wicket in just 31 balls.

Kishan was dismissed at the start of the eighth over after a brilliant 61 from 24 deliveries, which included six fours and five sixes. Soon after, skipper Suryakumar Yadav (12) and Varma (25) departed in quick succession, leaving India at 124 for four.

Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube then staged a powerful comeback with an 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Pandya smashed 52 off 28 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes, while Dube contributed 23 from 16 balls.

Although India lost wickets towards the end, they managed to push the total past the 200-run mark.

For Namibia, captain Gerhard Erasmus was the standout bowler with figures of four for 20, while JJ Smit, Bernard Scholtz and Ben Shikongo picked up one wicket each.