Fans go wild as Hardik Pandya’s all-round heroics steer India to a commanding triumph over Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnesssed a masterclass in clinical T20 cricket as India dismantled Namibia by 93 runs in their Group A encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. On a night where the local fans were treated to a boundary fest, India’s “all-round” depth was on full display. Bolstered by a blistering start from Ishan Kishan and a finishing flourish from Hardik Pandya, the Men in Blue posted a formidable 209/9, before a disciplined bowling attack led by Varun Chakaravarthy folded the Namibian resistance for just 116.

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting surge takes India to a huge total

Winning the toss was only half the battle; the real fireworks began when Kishan took guard. The dynamic opener was in a punishing mood, racing to a half-century in just 20 balls. Alongside Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, Kishan dismantled the Namibian pace attack, ensuring India crossed the 100-run mark in less than seven overs. Despite a middle-order wobble caused by Gerhard Erasmus’s clever four-wicket haul (4/20), the momentum never truly shifted.

The arrival of Pandya shifted the gears back into overdrive. Pandya played the role of the quintessential finisher, smashing 52 off 28 balls, laced with four towering sixes. His partnership with Shivam Dube (23) added a quick-fire 81 runs for the fifth wicket, propelling India past the 200-run milestone. While the tail struggled to navigate the final over, the damage was already done. India’s total of 209 proved to be a mountain too high for the associate nation to climb under the Delhi lights.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s web and Pandya’s golden touch stifle Namibia during chase

The second half of the match belonged to the Indian bowlers, who never allowed the Namibian batters to settle into a rhythm. While Louren Steenkamp (29) and Jan Frylinck (22) provided a brief spark in the Powerplay, the introduction of Chakaravarthy changed the complexion of the game. Chakaravarthy, the “mystery spinner,” was virtually unplayable, returning staggering figures of 3/7 in his two-over spell. He bamboozled the top order, removing Steenkamp and JJ Smit in quick succession to leave the chase in tatters.

If the spinners tightened the noose, Pandya provided the finishing blows. After his heroics with the bat, Pandya proved why he is the world’s premier all-rounder by picking up 2/21. He utilized his variations perfectly on the Delhi surface, removing Bernard Scholtz and Ben Shikongo in a single over to demoralize the tail. Supported by Axar Patel’s two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah’s customary economical spell (1/20), India bundled out Namibia for 116 in 18.2 overs.

The 93-run victory not only boosts India’s Net Run Rate significantly but also solidifies their position as the team to beat in Group A. For his 52 runs and two crucial wickets, Pandya was rightfully named Player of the Match, signalling that he is in peak form for the tournament.

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Here’s how fans reacted:

7 PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARDS FOR HARDIK PANDYA IN T20I. 😍🔥 pic.twitter.com/Uvru4YBHbB
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 12, 2026

India has defeated Namibia by 93 runs
Varun Chakaravarthy: 3 wickets
Axar Patel: 2 wickets
Hardik Pandya : 2 wickets#T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup2026 #IndvsNam pic.twitter.com/kuX0vseLrc
— Vashu (@vashuaarya) February 12, 2026

A comprehensive win for Team India 🔥#ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 #INDvsNAM
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/eje36BJVcd pic.twitter.com/KCbMobykO3
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 12, 2026

India won by 93 runs & Hardik Pandya won the Man of Match of Award. #INDvsNAM #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCup
pic.twitter.com/JA6kT8TlA5
— Pahari Pulse (@paharipulse) February 12, 2026

27 BALL FIFTY BY HARDIK PANDYA.
– a total show put on by Hardik.#INDvNAM pic.twitter.com/eEFjQ4XoU0
— Anusha Sharma (@_AnushaSharma) February 12, 2026

Hardik Pandya Player of the match 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3wZVlV2Xtj
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) February 12, 2026

Again a Cluth performance by Hardik Pandya. Great fifty plus couple of wickets.
Surely My Player of the match 🔥🔥🔥#INDvNAM #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/wIR7eyprwa
— Balinder Singh Dhanauri (@BalinderDhanori) February 12, 2026

Ishan Kishan crushed it!!
61 in Delhi. Highest score by an Indian keeper in T20 WC history.#INDvNAM
— Sudeep Srivastava (@sudeepsriv) February 12, 2026

WELL PLAYED, ISHAN KISHAN
Ishan Kishan smashed a breathtaking 61 off just 24 balls, registering the highest individual score by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter in T20 World Cup history.
A truly sensational knock 🔥#ishankishan #INDvNAM #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/x3CxIO86bi
— BELA X (@TamannaahB21527) February 12, 2026

𝑱𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂 ⭐
Ishan Kishan’s 61 in Delhi is now the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper in T20 World Cup history
A statement knock that signals the rise of a new record-holder. 👏🏼#INDvNAM #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/RFXp2SiQeV
— Rakeshchandra Yadav 🇮🇳 (@rakeshchandray2) February 12, 2026

If India win the World Cup, I believe ‘apna’ Ishan kishan could be Player of the Tournament. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cLm0PXHgR6
— Abanish Sinha (@abanish_Bihar) February 12, 2026