New Delhi erupted in cheers as Team India scripted history at Arun Jaitley Stadium, smashing 209 for 9 against Namibia. This monumental knock marked the 47th time India has crossed the 200-run mark in T20 cricket, cementing their unchallenged dominance in the format.
No other team comes close. South Africa trails with 29 such innings, followed by New Zealand’s 28. Australia and West Indies share 25 each. Since the T20 World Cup 2024, India has achieved this feat 14 times – more than double any rival’s tally in the same period.
The 209/9 stands as India’s third-highest T20 World Cup score. It evokes memories of their 218/4 against England in 2007 and 210/2 versus Afghanistan in 2021. Despite losing the toss and batting first, India showcased explosive intent.
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma ignited the chase with a blistering 79-run stand off 31 balls for the second wicket. Kishan fell for a fiery 61 off 24 balls, laced with 5 sixes and 6 fours. Varma chipped in with 25.
Hardik Pandya then took charge, forging an 81-run partnership off 39 balls with Shivam Dube (23) for the fifth wicket, propelling India past 200. Pandya’s 52 proved crucial before a late collapse saw wickets tumble post-205.
Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus shone with 4/20, while Ben Shikongo, JJ Smuts, and Bernard Scholtz grabbed one each. India’s batting fireworks not only secured a win but rewrote T20 record books, underscoring their big-scoring prowess.