New Delhi

Explosive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya powered India to a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Thursday.

Put in to bat, India piled up a formidable 209 for 9, riding on Kishan’s blistering 61 off just 24 balls and Pandya’s 52 from 28 deliveries. Kishan’s innings was marked by confident strokeplay, particularly on the leg side, as he dominated the Namibian bowling attack.

Analysing the knock, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said Namibia failed to challenge Kishan in the right areas.

“He plays the short ball really well and has a lot of time. Most of his runs came on the leg side, which is his strength. Namibia’s bowlers didn’t force him to play enough on the off side, and he took full advantage,” Pathan said during JioHotstar’s ‘Match Centre Live’.

Namibia made a positive start to the chase, reaching 57 for one in the Powerplay, but India’s spinners quickly turned the contest on its head. Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a decisive spell, claiming 3 for 7 in two overs, while Axar Patel (2/20) and Pandya (2/21) applied relentless pressure.

Namibia were eventually dismissed for 116 in 18.2 overs.

With two wins from two matches, India sit atop Group A on net run rate, level on points with Pakistan. The two sides are set to clash on Sunday in a much-anticipated encounter.

Opener Abhishek Sharma missed the match due to a stomach infection and is expected to return for the Pakistan fixture. Former India batter Abhishek Nayar highlighted Sharma’s impact in the Powerplay, especially against spin.

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In Sharma’s absence, Sanju Samson opened the innings and struck a quick 22 off eight balls, and could retain his spot at the top if Sharma is unavailable.