India smashed the fastest team hundred in T20 World Cup history as Ishan Kishan’s 61 and late fireworks from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube propelled the defending champions past the 200-run mark in New Delhi.
New Delhi witnessed a batting masterclass on Thursday as India piled up a formidable 209/9 against Namibia in a high-octane ICC T20 World Cup clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ishan Kishan’s explosive 61 off just 24 balls, followed by late hitting from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, helped India post one of their most aggressive totals in the tournament.
India also set a new T20 World Cup record for the fastest team hundred, reaching 100 runs in just 6.5 overs, surpassing the Netherlands’ previous record of seven overs against Ireland in 2014.
Kishan’s Powerplay Carnage
Asked to bat first, India began cautiously with 8/0 in the opening over. The tempo shifted dramatically in the second over when Sanju Samson smashed two sixes and a four, scoring a rapid 22 off eight balls before falling to Ben Shikongo.
After four overs, India were 43/1, with Kishan beginning to find his rhythm. The real onslaught came in the final over of the powerplay, when Kishan hammered four consecutive sixes and a boundary off JJ Smit, bringing up his half-century in just 20 balls.
India surged to 86/1 after six overs, marking their third-highest powerplay score in T20I cricket.
Middle-Overs Momentum and Key Wickets
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus ended Kishan’s blistering knock, dismissing him for 61 off 24 balls, which included six fours and five sixes. At the halfway stage, India were cruising at 120/2 after 10 overs.
Spinner Bernard Scholtz removed captain Suryakumar Yadav for 12, while Tilak Varma scored 25 before falling to Erasmus in the 12th over. Despite the wickets, India maintained a brisk scoring rate.
Pandya-Dube Late Assault
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube then launched a fierce counterattack, smashing 24 runs off Bernard Scholtz to take India to 168/4. By the end of the 18th over, India had surged to 199/4, firmly on course for a massive total.
Pandya brought up his half-century off 27 balls on the first delivery of the 19th over as India crossed 200. However, he was dismissed for 52 off 28 balls on the very next ball, after Dylan Leicher took a stunning boundary catch.
Dube was later run out for 23 following a mix-up with Rinku Singh, while Erasmus completed his four-wicket haul by dismissing Axar Patel for a golden duck.
India lost Rinku Singh (1) and Arshdeep Singh (2) in the final over, finishing on 209/9.
Namibia Bowling Highlights
Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus starred with the ball, picking up 4/20, keeping the contest competitive despite India’s aggressive batting. Ben Shikongo (1/41), Bernard Scholtz (1/41), and JJ Smit (1/50) also chipped in with wickets.
Match Takeaway
India’s explosive batting display showcased their depth and power-hitting capability, sending a strong message to rivals in the T20 World Cup. Kishan’s fearless approach, combined with Pandya’s finishing skills, underlined why India remain among the tournament favourites.