Brief Scores: India (209/9 in 20 ovs) beat Namibia (116 all out in 18.2 ovs) by 93 runs in Delhi in a Group A match.
IND vs NAM T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
As expected, the spotlight will be on India’s group-stage fixture against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. After all the off-field drama, the two sides are set to clash, and much of the talk has centred on Usman Tariq, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, who has yet to face India.
Following India’s 93-run victory over Namibia, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan addressed questions about whether facing Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus’s unorthodox bowling provided ideal preparation for Pakistan’s spin threat.
“No, I think we’ve already done the preparation part. Now it’s just about watching the ball and playing our natural game,” Kishan said at the post-match press conference. “If the ball is there to hit, as batters, we feel like going for it because it’s a T20 game and we’re trying to set a good total. But we also have to believe in our strengths.”
The 26-year-old emphasised that India’s approach at this level goes beyond specific opposition preparation. “There’s nothing as such that we have to prepare. At this level, we watch a few videos and get an idea of the kind of bowling we’ll face. We’re just keeping it simple.”
Kishan was diplomatic about Erasmus’s performance, adding: “He bowled pretty well today, and there was quite a bit of learning for our team as well.”
SPIN CONCERNS EMERGE
However, India’s convincing victory masked a glaring concern—their vulnerability against spin. Half of the Indian batting unit was dismissed by spin bowling, raising red flags ahead of the Pakistan encounter.
Pakistan boasts a potent spin attack featuring Abrar Ahmad, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and the much-discussed Usman Tariq. The mystery spinner has generated significant buzz, with many viewing him as Pakistan’s ace in the hole.
India’s struggles against Namibia’s spinners have added fuel to speculation about how they will cope with Pakistan’s more experienced tweakers, particularly Tariq, whose variations have troubled batsmen throughout the tournament.
HIGH-STAKES ENCOUNTER LOOMS
The India-Pakistan clash is always one of cricket’s most anticipated fixtures, and this edition promises to be no different. With both teams having secured wins in their opening matches, the group-stage encounter could prove crucial in determining the knockout stage momentum.
While Kishan played down the need for specific tactical adjustments, India’s coaching staff will need to address the spin weakness in training sessions before the marquee clash.
For Pakistan, the question remains whether Tariq and their spin battery can exploit India’s apparent vulnerability. The answer will unfold when the arch-rivals meet in what promises to be a captivating contest at the T20 World Cup.
India will take their second win on the bounce into the high-pressure fixture, but questions about their ability to handle quality spin bowling linger.
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