Indian men’s cricket team Suryakumar Yadav was a happy man after his side proved to be too strong for Namibia with a 93-run win in their Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
“Pretty good game for everyone,” Suryakumar Yadav said at the post-match presentation after the win.
“Exactly what you’re looking for going ahead. Absolutely. I mean, every game is important. And yeah, we did start a little scratchy, but then I think we are on the road,” he added.
Not An Easy Wicket
Opener Ishan Kishan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya delivered aggressive half-centuries, propelling India to a total of 209/9 after being put in to bat first.
Ishan raced to a rapid 61 off just 24 balls, while Pandya hammered 52 from 28 deliveries,
sharing a crucial 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube, who contributed 23 off 16 balls.
“I think it was not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan and Sanju started, it did look 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,” Suryakumar said.
Don’t Want To Take Away Credit
Namibia’s captain, Gerhard Erasmus, used a variety of deliveries to achieve impressive bowling figures of 4/20 in his four overs.
India surpassed the 100-run mark in the seventh over, with Ishan reaching his fifty in just 20 balls, displaying exceptional form.
However, India lost five wickets for just four runs towards the end of their innings.
“I think the ball was stopping a little bit, but I don’t want to take any credit away from all the Namibian bowlers. They bowled really well. I think they came out with fire. They had their plans, executed really well, but very impressed with their bowling as well,” he said.
“We lost two or three quick wickets, but then we had a good partnership and a good finish at the end as well,” Suryakumar added.
Good To Have Him Back
In response, Namibia were bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs. Despite some of their batsmen getting good starts, they failed to convert them into significant scores.
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy finished with excellent figures of 3/7 in his 2 overs.
“I mean, yeah, it was a big plus to see Bumrah bowl a quota of all the four overs. Good to have him back in the side. He’s all set to go for the next game as well,” Suryakumar said.
“And also Varun Chakravarthy, the way they bowl in partnerships together with Axar Patel, I think it’s a difficult combination to play. Absolutely. I mean, with the new ball, with the old ball, and he also bowls in death overs whenever needed,” he added.
Hardik Big Boost
Suryakumar also had special praise for Hardik’s all-round show, saying: “I think it’s a big boost for the team coming in that situation, having that positive mindset and taking that MoM today in a crucial game. I think it’s a good thing for the team. So pretty happy with the way things have gone so far.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
