India dominated Namibia by 93 runs in a match played in Group A at Delhi. It was an all-round performance from India as Hardik Pandya scored a half-century in no time. He also picked two wickets, thus becoming Player of the Match.
India 209/9 in 20 overs
India, who were sent into bat, did not take time to settle, racking up 86 runs in the powerplay with just one wicket lost. Ishan Kishan attacked the bowling, scoring a half-century off just 20 balls, with five fours and four sixes.
A 50-run partnership for the opening wicket with Tilak Varma helped India reach 50 runs off 4.3 overs and then breached the 100-run mark before the end of the seventh over. Such a strong start laid the foundation for a massive total.
The Namibians tried to push back with regular breaks after the powerplay, and India were 144/4 in 14 overs. Hardik Pandya scored a late flurry to kickstart the innings again.
Pandya scored a quickfire 52 from just 28 deliveries with four fours and four sixes. Pandya then saw through a vital 50-run fifth-wicket stand with Shivam Dube in just 23 deliveries, helping the team surpass the 200-run mark in the 19th over.
India, however, managed to reach 209/9 despite some losses towards the end of their innings.
Namibia 116 all out in 18.2 overs
Namibia started off strongly, reaching 57 runs in the power play with just one wicket falling. L. Steenkamp played solidly in a quickfire 29.
This run chase hit a roadblock as India’s bowling attack reined in the proceedings, reaching 100 in the 14th over. Sustained success in picking wickets further affected Namibia in the middle and death overs.
Pandya chipped in with two wickets, and the Indian attack continued to put the pressure. Namibia was bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs, falling well short of the target.
Pandya vs. Maxwell:
Hardik Pandya was the star with both bat and ball, hitting a 52 off 28 with two wickets, which gave India a comprehensive win.