India Cruise Past Namibia by 93 Runs to Go Top of Group A; Sri Lanka, Italy Also Record Big Wins
India secured a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia today to register back-to-back wins in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and move to the top of Group A.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 209/9 from their 20 overs. Ishan Kishan provided early fireworks with a blistering 24-ball 61, while Hardik Pandya anchored the innings with a well-compiled 52. Despite the heavy total, Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus delivered an outstanding spell, claiming 4 for 20 from his four overs.
In reply, Namibia made a positive start, reaching 33 before losing their first wicket after 3.4 overs. However, regular breakthroughs from the Indian bowlers stalled their momentum. Louren Steenkamp top-scored with 29, but Namibia eventually fell well short of the target.
Varun Chakaravarthy was clinical with 3 for 7 from two overs, while Axar Patel (2/20) and Hardik Pandya (2/21) provided strong support with the ball. Pandya’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
With the win, India move to four points at the top of Group A. Pakistan also have four points, while the Netherlands sit third with two.
In Group B action, Sri Lanka surged to the top of the standings with a dominant 105-run victory over Oman.
Sri Lanka posted an imposing 225 for 5, powered by three half-centuries in the innings. Kusal Mendis got 61, Pavan Rathnayake 60, and Dasun Shanaka 50.
Oman, in response, struggled to keep pace and were restricted to 120 for 9 with Mohammad Nadeem scoring 53 off 56 and Wasim Ali 27 from 20.
Oman remain winless and at the bottom of the group table.
In Group C, Italy celebrated their first-ever T20 World Cup victory in emphatic fashion, defeating Nepal by 10 wickets.
Nepal were bowled out for 123, with Aarif Sheikh scoring 27, Rohit Paudel 23, and Aasif Sheikh contributing a run-a-ball 20.
Italy’s response was swift and ruthless. Anthony Mosca struck 62, while Justin Mosca added 60, as Italy raced to 124 without loss in just 12 overs to complete a comprehensive 10-wicket win.
The victory moves Italy into third place in Group C. West Indies lead the group with four points following two wins.
The tournament continues tomorrow with Australia facing Zimbabwe at 1:30 a.m. Caribbean time. Canada will meet the UAE from 5:30 a.m., and at 9:30 a.m., the Netherlands take on the United States.
