Opener Ishan Kishan played a blistering 61 off 24 balls, continuing his dream run with the bat. Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, produced an excellent finish with 52 off 28 to help India post a huge 209/9 in 20 overs. Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson also made handy cameos as the hosts’ explosive batting put Namibia under immense pressure from the start.
In reply, Namibia started well in the powerplay before Varun Chakravarthy led the charge with a crucial three-wicket spell in the middle overs, while Pandya showed his all-round class with two scalps, restricting the visitors to just 116 in 18.2 overs.
India’s comprehensive win not only strengthened their position in Group A but also highlighted their firepower with both bat and ball. The Men in Blue’s explosive batting performance was even more special because it took place without their explosive opener Abhishek Sharmawho was not fit to play the match.
Who said what?
Hardik Pandya, Player of the Match
“Yeah, definitely, just enjoy the sport. I’ve had a good few months to prepare and, you know, get the rhythm and, you know, get the body right. So far everything is going well. (about his batting) Yes, I have always been proud of my batting as an all-rounder. So whenever I get the chance, I make sure both skills are managed appropriately.”
“Yes, I think that’s the strength of this team. We have a lot of options. We have cover for fast bowling, we have cover for spin. There are days when fast bowlers will come into the party when the wicket presents itself. And at the same time, spinners who have been in the middle have been fantastic. Varun, Axar, Kuldeep, whenever he has got the opportunity. I think they have been fantastic. At the same time, when the fast bowlers have been given the opportunity, they have been fantastic.”
Gerhard Erasmus, Namibia (losing captain)
“I don’t think we’re playing at 100% right now. So we’d like to see that happen again on this tour. We’ve got a lot of firepower in our batting, but we’re not getting enough balls in the belt to lay that foundation to show that firepower. No, I don’t think there’s any change in the field. I think there’s clearly quality on the ball from the India bowlers, and it shows in that middle period. That over 6 against 10 just broke the back.”
“WAfter 26 overs of cricket, we really felt like we had a chance, and unfortunately that spell from Varun cut short our chase. Yes, I think so. I think that depth spell comes back from Smit as well, you know, after the power play and a little leak, I think that’s the kind of specialization we want in our team.”
Suryakumar Yadav, India (winning captain)
“Pretty good game for everyone. I think it wasn’t an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan and Sanju started, it looked 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. I think the ball stopped a bit, but I don’t want to take any credit away from all the Namibian bowlers. They bowled very well.”
“PI’m very happy with the way things have gone so far. Exactly what you’re looking for, beyond. Absolute. I mean, every match is important. And yeah, we started out a little bit jittery, but then I think we’re on our way.”
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