New Delhi: India produced a dominant all-round display to crush Namibia by 93 runs in their T20 World Cup clash on Thursday at the Aruj Jaitley Stadium here, registering their biggest victory by runs in the tournament’s history.
Asked to bat first, India’s revamped opening pair set the tone early. Sanju Samson launched an aggressive assault with a brisk 22 off just eight balls before falling, but Ishan Kishan ensured the momentum never dipped. The left-hander tore into the Namibian attack, racing to a half-century in just 20 deliveries and hammering four consecutive sixes in the final over of the PowerPlay.
India surged to 86/1 at the end of six overs, and the tournament’s fastest team century followed soon after. However, Namibia clawed their way back through captain Gerhard Erasmus, who dismissed Kishan for a blistering 61 off 24 balls. Quick strikes from Bernard Scholtz and Erasmus reduced India from 104/1 to 124/4, briefly halting the charge.
Hardik Pandya then steadied the innings with a counterattacking 52 off 28 balls, featuring four sixes and four boundaries. He added 81 runs for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube, whose 23 included a towering six. Namibia fought back at the death, with Erasmus completing an impressive four-wicket haul as India lost five wickets for just 10 runs in the final overs, finishing at 209/9.
Namibia began their chase brightly but unravelled against India’s spin attack. Jan Frylinck’s aggressive start offered early promise, while Louren Steenkamp struck boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. The breakthrough came immediately after the PowerPlay when Varun Chakaravarthy bowled Steenkamp, triggering a collapse.
Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel combined to dismantle the middle order, claiming five wickets for 27 runs in a decisive phase. Erasmus briefly led the counterattack with a couple of sixes but fell attempting another big hit. With the required rate spiralling, Namibia slipped from 67/1 to 94/6, effectively ending the contest.
India’s pacers wrapped up the innings efficiently. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Ruben Trumpelmann, while Pandya picked up two wickets to cap his all-round effort. Namibia were eventually bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs.
Brief Scores: India 209/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 61, Hardik Pandya 52; Gerhard Erasmus 4/20) beat Namibia 116 all out in 18.2 overs (Louren Steenkamp 29, Jan Frylinck 22; Varun Chakaravarthy 3/7, Hardik Pandya 2/21, Axar Patel 2/20) by 93 runs
Italy vs Nepal
Earlier in Mumbai, Italy scripted a historic moment at the Wankhede Stadium by defeating Nepal by 10 wickets, registering their first-ever win in a men’s World Cup match.
After electing to field, Italy delivered a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to restrict Nepal to 123 in 19.3 overs. Nepal struggled to build partnerships after losing early wickets. Captain Rohit Paudel attempted to inject urgency with a quick 23 off 14 balls, while Aarif Sheikh top-scored with 27. A late cameo from Karan KC (18) provided some impetus, but Italy’s spin-heavy attack kept tight control.
Leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage starred with three wickets, removing key batters including Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee. Off-spinner Benjamin Manenti was equally effective, conceding just nine runs in his four overs while claiming two wickets.
Chasing a modest target, Italy’s openers Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca produced a commanding display. The duo dominated the Nepalese bowlers with fearless strokeplay, reaching the target in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket. Justin Mosca struck an unbeaten 60, while Anthony Mosca smashed 62 not out, sealing a landmark victory for the tournament debutants.
Italy’s emphatic win marked one of the standout moments of the day, underlining the growing competitiveness among associate nations in the tournament.
Brief Scores: Nepal 123 all out in 19.3 overs (Rohit Paudel 23, Aarif Sheikh 27; Crishan Kalugamage 3/18, Benjamin Manenti 2/9) defeated by Italy 124 in 12.4 overs (Anthony Mosca 62, Justin Mosca 60) by 10 wickets.
