India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Namibia by 93 runs in their ICC T20 World Cup Group A match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, powered by explosive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya and a decisive spell from Varun Chakravarthy.
The victory takes India to the top of Group A with two wins from two matches, level with Pakistan but ahead on net run rate.
After being put in to bat, India piled up a formidable total of 209/9, thanks to a blistering 61 off just 24 balls from Kishan and a late 52 off 28 balls from Hardik.
Kishan set the tone early with an aggressive powerplay assault, smashing four consecutive sixes in one over and reaching his half-century in just 20 deliveries. His innings, featuring six fours and five sixes, helped India race to 86/1 after six overs — their third-highest powerplay score in T20 internationals.
India also reached the 100-run mark in just 6.5 overs, the fastest team century in T20 World Cup history.
Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Hardik steadied the innings and accelerated towards the finish, completing his fifty in 27 balls. Shivam Dube added a valuable 23 as India crossed the 200-run mark.
Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus was the standout bowler for his side, claiming 4/20 to briefly stem India’s momentum.
Chasing a daunting target of 210, Namibia made a promising start, reaching 57/1 in the powerplay as Louren Steenkamp and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton counter-attacked with confidence.
However, India’s bowlers turned the match decisively in the middle overs.
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy delivered a match-defining spell, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs in two overs to dismantle Namibia’s middle order. Axar Patel supported him with 2/20, while Hardik Pandya contributed 2/21 to ensure Namibia never recovered.
Namibia’s resistance collapsed rapidly as wickets fell in clusters, and they were eventually bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs.
Steenkamp top-scored for Namibia with 29, while Jan Frylinck added 22 in the early stages of the chase.
India’s disciplined bowling effort ensured the target remained out of reach, sealing a comprehensive victory and reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites.
With back-to-back wins, India now sits in a strong position in Group A as they continue their campaign for another T20 World Cup title.
Brief scores:
India 209/9 (Ishan Kishan 61, Hardik Pandya 52; Gerhard Erasmus 4/20) defeated Namibia 116 (Varun Chakravarthy 3/7, Axar Patel 2/20, Hardik Pandya 2/21) by 93 runs.
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