Team India got a comfortable win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, ahead of their next fixture, which is against Pakistan. On February 12, the co-hosts of the tournament defeated Namibia by 93 runs.
After the match, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised the boys for performing in a commendable way. Yadav especially praised Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan for playing stormy knocks in the beginning of the first innings.
Sanju Samson replaced Abhishek Sharma
India went to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as the openers. Abhishek Sharma missed the match because of an upset stomach. Samson was included in the playing line-up to replace Sharma. The opening pair of Kishan and Samson proved effective for the Men in Blue, as both of them secured a flying start for the team.
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While Samson was dismissed for a short but blistering 22 off 8, Ishan Kishan prolonged his momentum for a 61-run innings off 24 balls. From the middle-order, Hardik Pandya joined the run feats by scoring a quick 52. Tilak Varma (25) and Shivam Dube (23) also left their mark with the bat.
Suryakumar Yadav praised Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan
During the post-match presentation ceremony, Suryakumar Yadav expressed that the wicket was not easy enough for flawless batting and the ball was not coming smoothly to the bat. The total of 209 was on the board mostly because of Samson and Kishan, and then the circular partnership between Pandya and Dube.
“I think it was not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan and Sanju started, it did look like it was an easy wicket. And then the partnership between Shivam and Hardik, the way they batted after losing two or three quick wickets, I think it was very commendable,” the India captain said.
Namibia managed to get only 116 runs for all of their 10 wickets in 18.2 overs. Yadav applauded the efforts made by the bowlers for restricting the opposing team to a lower total. Jasprit Bumrah is back in action through the game, taking a wicket in his 4-over spell for an economy rate of 5.00.
Jasprit Bumrah to play against Pakistan
Suryakumar Yadav expressed that it was great to see Bumrah delivering all four overs of his quota, and he confirmed that the pacer will be in the line-up for the next match as well.
“It was a big plus to see Bumrah bowl a quota of all four overs. Good to have him back in the side. He’s all set to go for the next game as well,” Yadav assured.
Before concluding his briefing, Team India captain praised the bowling performance of Namibia, as they claimed 9 wickets.
“They bowled really well. I think they came out with fire. They had their plans, executed really well, but I was very impressed with their bowling as well,” Suryakumar Yadav opined.
Read More: Watch: Gary Kirsten can’t stop smiling as Sanju Samson falls into Namibia’s trap
