T20 World Cup 2026: All round performances from India seal the deal against Namibia by 93 runs in Match 18

India produced a commanding display to defeat Namibia by 93 runs in Match 18 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India scored a total of 209 for 9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of some powerful batting from the upper and middle order from both teams, batting first. Although Namibia started their innings with good attacking intent, they could only score 116 runs in 18.2 overs, giving India a comfortable and confidence-boosting victory.

Ishan Kishan, batting in the first innings, hit 61 runs in just 24 balls, including six fours and five sixes. He set the tone for an explosive innings from India. Sanju Samson gave a quick hitting performance with 22 runs off 8 balls in the powerplay, which got India to 86 runs after six overs. A few wickets fell during the middle overs of the 20 overs, but Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav continued to keep the scoreboard alive. The aggressive batting styles put pressure on Namibia's bowlers at all times.

The momentum surged again when Hardik Pandya took charge in the latter stages. His blistering 52 off 28 balls, laced with powerful strokes, pushed India beyond the 200-run mark. Shivam Dube added a handy 23, while late wickets prevented an even bigger finish. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus was the standout with the ball, claiming four wickets and keeping his economy in check. However, the overall total proved far beyond Namibia’s comfort zone on the night.

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Bowlers Dominate as Namibia Collapse

Defending 209, India’s bowlers quickly tightened their grip on the contest. Varun Chakaravarthy spun a web around Namibia’s middle order, picking up three crucial wickets at minimal cost. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh struck at important intervals. Despite brief resistance from Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck, Namibia could not build substantial partnerships to threaten the daunting target.

Despite starting the match promisingly, Namibia were left wanting after the first six overs of the powerplay, having amassed 57 runs, as wickets fell in individual clusters. Gerhard Erasmus tried to counteract with his own attack on the Indian bowlers to some extent, but the Indian bowlers were supported very well by some sharp fielding and kept control of the game. Namibia's lower order were not able to provide any significant resistance, leading to the dismissal of virtually all of their batters by the end of the 19th over. India's overall performance with bat and ball was very strong, and they have taken two valuable points from this game. Furthermore, their margin of victory has improved their net run rate dramatically within Group A.

Top Performers

Ishan Kishan set the tone with a blistering 61 off 24 balls, providing India a flying start in the powerplay. Hardik Pandya’s explosive 52 off 28 deliveries powered the total past 200, while Varun Chakaravarthy starred with the ball, claiming 3/7 in a decisive spell. Axar Patel and Hardik also chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring Namibia never recovered after losing early momentum during the chase.

Key Moments

India’s 86-run powerplay laid the foundation for a massive total, putting Namibia immediately on the back foot. The quick dismissals of Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp halted Namibia’s promising start. Varun Chakaravarthy’s double strike in the middle overs effectively ended the contest, as wickets fell in clusters. From there, India maintained relentless pressure, wrapping up the innings in the 19th over to seal a commanding 93-run victory.

Brief Score

India – 209/9 (20 overs)
Ishan Kishan 61 (24), Hardik Pandya 52 (28); Gerhard Erasmus 4/20

Namibia – 116 all out (18.2 overs)
Louren Steenkamp 29 (20); Varun Chakaravarthy 3/7

India won by 93 runs.