India is set to face Namibia in the 18th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on February 12. On this exciting sixth day of the tournament, there will be three matches in total, featuring Sri Lanka against Oman and Nepal against Italy before India’s match.
As defending champions, India will look to showcase their skills against Namibia, who are eager to prove themselves.
India enters this match after a win against the USA, where Suryakumar Yadav’s performance with the bat and the strong bowling were significant positives.
India’s last T20 World Cup loss occurred in 2022, in the semi-final against England in Adelaide. They aim to keep their unbeaten streak alive in this tournament.
India T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Abhishek Sharma may be rested due to a recent stomach infection, with Sanju Samson likely stepping in. Jasprit Bumrah, who did not play against the USA, is expected to replace Mohammed Siraj.
Namibia T20I squad: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo.
Travelling reserve: Alexander Volschenk.
Namibia is coming off a 7-wicket defeat to the Netherlands in their previous match.
Head-to-Head Record
India and Namibia have played each other once, with India winning that match during the 2021 T20 World Cup by nine wickets.
Probable XI for Both Teams
India’s probable XI: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
Namibia’s probable XI: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Located in Delhi, the Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly Feroz Shah Kotla, has a capacity of around 48,000. It is the home ground for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and hosts domestic matches. The first T20I at this venue took place in 2016.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch at Arun Jaitley Stadium is generally advantageous for batting, with short boundaries and a quick outfield promoting aggressive play. It offers good bounce, allowing batters to play confidently, which benefits power-hitters like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
Pacers may get some early swing, but as the match continues, batting becomes easier. Spin bowlers might find limited assistance unless the surface is dry. Expect a high-scoring game, with chasing often preferred.
Key Stats at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Nine T20 matches have been played here. India has participated in two games, winning both, while Namibia played against the Netherlands in their first match here.
India holds the record for the highest team total at this venue, scoring 221/9 against Bangladesh in 2024. They also have three innings scoring over 200 runs.
The lowest score recorded at this stadium was 120 by Sri Lanka against England in 2016.
Among former T20I players, Jason Roy and Shikhar Dhawan scored the highest runs here (125 and 121, respectively). Among current players, Ishan Kishan made 76 in his only match here.
For bowlers, Chris Jordan has the most wickets with six. Axar Patel leads among active Indian bowlers with three wickets.
Weather Forecast
Thursday’s temperature starts at around 20°C with hazy skies and poor air quality. It will rise to about 25°C in the afternoon and drop to 15°C by evening. No rain is expected.
Match Expectations
India is favored to win, aiming to assert their dominance against Namibia, who will be looking to deliver a strong performance.
FAQs – Pitch Report
What is the pitch report for Arun Jaitley Stadium?
The pitch is generally batting-friendly, with short boundaries and a quick outfield that supports aggressive stroke play. It offers good bounce and carry, allowing confident batting, ideal for power-hitters.
Pacers may find some early swing, but as the match progresses, batting should become easier. Spinners may struggle unless conditions are dry. Expect a high-scoring match, favoring the chasing side.
What is the record of India and Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium?
This will be their first encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. India has played here four times, winning two and losing two, while Namibia has experienced one loss at this venue.
