India produced a commanding all-round performance to thrash Namibia by 93 runs in their T20 World Cup Group A match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, surging to the top of the table with four points from two games.
Electing to bat first after Namibia won the toss, India exploded out of the blocks. Opener Ishan Kishan blazed a breathtaking 61 off just 24 balls, hammering five sixes and six fours to bring up his fifty in a mere 20 deliveries. His assault dismantled Namibia’s pace attack early, propelling India past 100 in the seventh over.
Hardik Pandya then took charge with a destructive 52 off 28 balls, forging an 81-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Shivam Dube (23 off 16). India looked set for a massive total at 199/4 heading into the 19th over, but a sensational collapse saw five wickets tumble for just four runs. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus was the star with the ball, claiming 4/20 in his four overs with clever side-arm variations and deceptive lengths that troubled the middle order.
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Chasing 210, Namibia’s chase never took off against India’s varied bowling attack. Varun Chakaravarthy struck early blows, while Hardik Pandya returned with two wickets, including a near-hattrick spell in the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a searing yorker to castle Ruben Trumpelmann, and Shivam Dube sealed the win when Zane Green (11 off 19) knocked off his own bails attempting a reverse paddle.
Namibia were bundled out for 116 all out in 18.2 overs. Every Indian bowler picked up at least one wicket in a clinical display that showcased depth and discipline.
Sanju Samson’s quick 22 off 8 (three sixes) and Suryakumar Yadav’s measured 12 offered glimpses of intent but failed to convert, while Tilak Varma (25) fell to Erasmus’s guile. Kishan’s explosive consistency stood out as the difference-maker.
India now lead Group A ahead of Pakistan on net run rate and face their arch-rivals in Colombo on Sunday. Namibia remain winless.
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