India return to the field tonight with confidence in their stride but a small selection headache at the top of the order. After beating the USA by 29 runs, Suryakumar Yadav’s men take on Namibia in Match 18 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, with opener Abhishek Sharma unlikely to feature due to illness.
The toss is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, with the first ball at 7:00 PM IST.
For India, it’s about building rhythm before tougher tests ahead. For Namibia, it’s a free swing — and possibly their biggest chance to pull off a headline-making upset.
India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026: Abhishek Sharma Out, Bumrah In; Check India Probable XI
Abhishek Sharma’s fitness clouds India’s plans
India’s only real concern coming into the game is Abhishek Sharma’s availability.
The young opener was recently hospitalised with a stomach infection. While he has been discharged and is recovering, team sources suggest he may not be risked for this match.
If he sits out, Sanju Samson is expected to move up and partner Ishan Kishan at the top.
It’s not an ideal disruption, but India still have enough depth to adjust without panic.
India look to keep momentum going
The defending champions looked sharp in their previous outing.
The batting unit clicked, the bowlers held their nerve, and the overall balance felt right. Suryakumar Yadav has brought calm leadership, while the mix of youth and experience seems to be working well.
With Jasprit Bumrah back spearheading the attack and Hardik Pandya adding all-round value, India start as overwhelming favourites on paper.
But T20 cricket rarely follows the script.
Namibia eye a statement win
Namibia may be the underdogs, but they’ve built a reputation for punching above their weight in ICC tournaments.
Captain Gerhard Erasmus remains their key man — steady with the bat and handy with the ball. Early breakthroughs from Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz could make things interesting, especially if there’s swing under the Delhi lights.
They come into this match after a loss to the Netherlands and will be desperate to bounce back.
For them, this isn’t just another group game. It’s an opportunity.
Pitch and match conditions
The Arun Jaitley Stadium surface usually favours batters, with short boundaries and quick outfield helping big hitters. Expect runs.
That said, spinners tend to come into play in the second innings, especially as the pitch slows down. Dew could also influence the captain’s call at the toss.
Chasing might be the safer option.
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Probable XIs and squads
India Squad:
Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar
Namibia Squad:
Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Ben Shikongo, Jack Brassell, Jan Balt
What’s at stake
India are already building momentum in Group A and will want another convincing win before their much-anticipated clash with Pakistan.
Namibia, meanwhile, need points to stay alive in the competition.
Different pressures. Same stage.
With a packed Delhi crowd expected and a prime-time slot, expect an entertaining contest.
Stay tuned for live score, toss updates, and match highlights as the action unfolds.
