Defending champions India gear up for Namibia challenge
India defeated Namibia by nine wickets in their only previous meeting at the T20 Cup 2021 in Dubai.
11 February, 2026
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The Indian men’s cricket team will be aiming to continue their winning momentum when they face Namibia in their second Group A match of the ongoing T20 Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12. The match will start at 7:00 PM IST.
Under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav, defending champions India kicked off their T20 Cup 2026 campaign by defeating the United States of America (USA) by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
Put in to bat, skipper Suryakumar led from the front with a scintillating knock of an unbeaten 84 off just 49 balls, along with crucial contributions from Tilak Varma (25) and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan (20) to power India to 161/9 in their 20 overs.
Later, Gujarat Titans’ star pacer Mohammed Siraj delivered a match-defining spell of 3/29, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel bagged two wickets apiece to help the hosts restrict the USA to 132/8 in their allotted overs to register a comfortable win in the end.
With two points in the bag, India are currently placed second in the Group A standings.
On the other hand, the Gerhard Erasmus-led Namibia will look to bounce back after succumbing to a seven-wicket defeat against the Netherlands in Delhi on Tuesday.
Having yet to open their account, Namibia are languishing fourth in the Group A points table.
Ahead of the game, India has suffered a huge blow as their flamboyant opening batter Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised with a stomach infection.
As Abhishek looks doubtful against Namibia, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could feature in India’s playing XI.
Talking about some good news from India’s camp, Gujarat Titans all-rounder Washington Sundar has joined the squad after recovering from his injury.
Players to watch out for
Mohammed Siraj: Drafted in as a last-minute injury replacement for Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj produced a sensational spell at the iconic Wankhede Stadium to guide India to a brilliant win over the USA. Defending 161, Siraj delivered one of his lethal spells with the new ball as he dismissed both openers - Andries Gous and Saiteja Mukkamalla. He later wrapped up India’s win by removing Shubham Ranjane to finish with figures of three for 29. Siraj will look to continue his good form against Namibia.
Suryakumar Yadav: India’s talismanic captain Suryakumar Yadav delivered a knock for the ages to help the defending champions overcome a slight scare against the USA in Mumbai. While India were reduced to 46/4 in the first six overs, Suryakumar showcased his game-changing credibility by playing an outstanding knock under pressure. The 35-year-old smashed 10 fours and four sixes to help India post a match-winning total on the board. For his match-defining knock, Suryakumar was later adjudged the Player of the Match. With four fifties in his last five T20I innings, SKY has been in red-hot form.
India vs Namibia T20 head-to-head
India defeated Namibia by nine wickets in their only previous meeting at the T20 Cup 2021 in Dubai.
After electing to field first, spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked up three wickets each to restrict Namibia to 132/8 in their 20 overs.
In reply, Rohit Sharma (56) and KL Rahul (54 not out) slammed fifties to guide India to a dominant nine-wicket victory.
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (captain), Zane Green (wicket-keeper), Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton (wicket-keeper), Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo
Upcoming milestones to keep an eye on
Arshdeep Singh needs 1 wicket for 250 wickets across all T20s.
Ishan Kishan is 7 boundaries away from 600 fours in T20s.
Rinku Singh needs 6 runs to complete 3,500 runs in T20 cricket.
Hardik Pandya is 74 runs away from 6,000 runs in T20 format.
Where to watch India vs Namibia T20 Cup 2026 live
The India vs Namibia, T20 Cup 2026 match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels.
Live streaming of the IND vs NAM game will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
