New Delhi | February 13, 2026 — The defending champions have officially signaled their intent. In a clinical display of power-hitting and spin mastery, India crushed Namibia by 93 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday night.
The victory marks India’s largest-ever win by runs in T20 World Cup history, propelling them to the top of Group A as they prepare for the high-stakes showdown against Pakistan.
Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Masterclass
The headline of the night was the resurgence of Hardik Pandya. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Pandya smashed a blistering 52 off 28 balls, laced with four towering sixes. He then returned with the ball to dismantle the Namibian middle order, finishing with figures of 2/21.
“The intent was clear from ball one,” Pandya said during the post-match presentation. “In a tournament like this, net run rate matters as much as the points. It’s good to find rhythm before the big games.”
Ishan Kishan Sets the Stage, Namibia Struggles to Contain
After Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and opted to bowl, India’s openers faced a skiddy Delhi surface. Ishan Kishan provided the “blazing start” fans expected, scoring 61 off 24 balls. His partnership with Sanju Samson (who replaced the ill Abhishek Sharma) ensured India reached the 100-run mark in record time.
Despite Erasmus’s heroic effort with the ball (4/20), India’s depth was overwhelming. Cameos from Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh pushed the total to a formidable 209/9.
The Collapse: Varun Chakaravarthy Spins a Web
Namibia’s chase began with a glimmer of hope as Zane Steenkamp (29) found the boundary early. However, the introduction of Varun Chakaravarthy turned the match into a one-sided affair. Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin proved unplayable, as he claimed 3 wickets for just 7 runs in a two-over burst.
| Player | Performance | Key Impact |
| Ishan Kishan | 61 (24) | Aggressive start in the Powerplay |
| Hardik Pandya | 52 (28) & 2/21 | Finished the innings & broke partnerships |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 3/7 (2 overs) | Triggered the middle-order collapse |
| Gerhard Erasmus | 4/20 | Kept India below 220 |
Namibia was eventually bundled out for 116 in 18.2 overs, unable to handle the combined pressure of India’s veteran all-rounders and elite spin attack.
Road to Pakistan: Group A Standings
This win places India level on points with Pakistan at the top of Group A. With a massive boost to their Net Run Rate (NRR), India enters the February 15 blockbuster clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium with maximum momentum.
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India: 2-0 (NRR: +2.325)
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Pakistan: 2-0 (NRR: +1.150)
For the Men in Blue, the primary concern remains the fitness of Abhishek Sharma, though Sanju Samson’s quick-fire 22 has eased the pressure on the management.
Stay tuned to PingTV for live ball-by-ball coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive locker-room insights from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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