Ishan Kishan delivered a sensational batting display as he powered India to a strong start in their Group A clash against Namibia in the ICC Men's T20
World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The aggressive wicketkeeper-batter smashed 61 runs off just 24 deliveries, setting the tempo early in the innings with fearless stroke play.
Representing Jharkhand in domestic cricket, the 27-year-old batter dominated the Namibian bowling attack with a remarkable blend of timing and power. His explosive innings included six boundaries and five towering sixes, showcasing his attacking intent right from the outset. Kishan raced to his half-century in just 20 balls, reaching the milestone with a boundary off JJ Smit on the final delivery of the sixth over.
With this rapid knock, Kishan etched his name into an exclusive list of Indian batters known for explosive powerplay performances. He became only the third Indian cricketer after Rohit Sharma and Abhishek Sharma to register multiple T20I half-centuries within the first six overs of an innings. While Rohit achieved the feat twice during his illustrious T20I career between 2007 and 2024, Abhishek has managed to cross the 50-run mark within the powerplay on three occasions. Kishan's effort marked his second such achievement in T20 internationals for India.
The blistering half-century also placed Kishan among India's fastest fifty-makers in T20 World Cup history. His 20-ball milestone is currently tied as the fourth-quickest by an Indian batter in the tournament. The overall record for the fastest half-century in T20 World Cup history continues to belong to Yuvraj Singh, who famously reached the landmark in just 12 balls against England during the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007.
Opening the innings alongside Sanju Samson, Kishan helped India build early momentum by adding 25 runs for the first wicket in just 12 balls. He then stitched a crucial 79-run stand from only 31 deliveries with Tilak Varma, who contributed 25 runs with the help of three boundaries.
Kishan's fiery innings eventually ended when Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus dismissed him on the opening delivery of the eighth over, but not before he had laid a strong foundation for India's batting effort.
