India's batting display against Namibia in their T20 World Cup Group A match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, was explosive yet ultimately marred by late collapses, finishing at 209/9 in 20 overs after being sent in to bat.
Sanju Samson opened aggressively, smashing 22 off just 8 balls before falling early. Ishan Kishan then took center stage, unleashing a blistering 61 off 24 deliveries, packed with 6 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate over 250.
His assault propelled India to their highest PowerPlay score in T20 World Cup history and a rapid 104/1 by the 7th over, setting a blistering platform.
The innings maintained momentum initially, reaching 124/4 by the 12th over. However, a mid-innings slowdown against spin followed, with Suryakumar Yadav
(captain), Tilak Varma, and others departing in clusters.Hardik Pandya revived the innings with a fiery half-century (52), forging a crucial stand that pushed India close to 200. He accelerated powerfully in the death overs, but a dramatic collapse ensued-five wickets tumbled for just 10 runs in the final two overs (including three in one over), restricting the total despite earlier fireworks. Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and lower-order batters added cameos but fell cheaply.
Namibia's captain Gerhard Erasmus starred with the ball, claiming 4 wickets to exploit the late chaos. India's batting showcased firepower from Kishan and Pandya but highlighted vulnerability to pressure in the closing stages, posting a formidable yet imperfect 209.
India 3 away from Major Record
Despite the late faltering, India has further enhanced their striking reputation and are now three away from a major milestone, which no one has ever achieved. After the 209 against Namibia, India has now crossed 200-mark for the 47th time in T20Is, which means they are just three away from a prestigious 50-mark.
The Indian team are by far the leaders among the teams in this list, as the second-placed South Africa have crossed double century 29 times.
Most 200-plus Scores by a Team in Men's T20Is
47 - India
29 - South Africa
28 - New Zealand
25 - Australia
25 - West Indies
