India have defeated the USA and Namibia in their first two Group A matches.
Suryakumar Yadav was an elated captain after India recorded their biggest ever T20 World Cup victory by a margin of 93 runs against Namibia on Thursday (February 12) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Opener Ishan Kishan (61 off 24) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (52 off 28) produced aggressive half-centuries, propelling the hosts to a formidable total of 209/9 after being put in to bat first.
In reply, Namibia’s innings folded for 116 in 18.2 overs, with Varun Chakaravarthy (3-7), Hardik (2-21) and Axar Patel (2-20) doing the bulk of the game. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube returned with one scalp each.
"I think pretty good game for everyone. I think it was not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan, Sanju started, it didn't look like it was a difficult wicket. And then the partnership between Shivam and Hardik, the way they batted after losing two-three quick wickets, I think it was very commendable," Surya said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Men in Blue smashed 100 in 6.5 overs, the fastest any team has reached the mark in the history of T20 World Cup. Despite the fiery start by India, Namibian bowlers were able to pull things back.
Reflecting on the pitch conditions, the skipper stated: “I think the ball was stopping a little bit, but I don't want to take any credit away from all the Namibian bowlers. They bowled really well. I think they came out with fire. They had their plans, executed really well, but very impressed with their bowling as well. I mean, after 6-7 overs, it felt like we might go past 240, 250 as well. But then it's a game of cricket. Fantastic leveler. We lost two-three quick wickets, but then we had a good partnership and a good finish at the end as well.”
Suryakumar Yadav was pleased with the team’s bowling performance. “I mean, yeah, it was a big plus to see Bumrah bowl quota of all the four overs. Good to have him back in the side. He's all set to go for the next game as well. And also Varun Chakaravarthy, the way they bowl in partnerships together with Axar Patel, I think it's a difficult combination to play,” he remarked.
The captain was effusive in praise of Hardik Pandya, who was adjudged Player-of-the-Match for his stellar all-round performance.
“Absolutely. I mean, with the new ball, with the old ball, and he also bowls in death overs whenever needed. And the way he bats, I think it's a big boost for the team coming in that situation, having that positive mindset and taking that MoM today in a crucial game. I think it's a good thing for the team,” he said.
With this win, India jumped back to top of Group A table, leaving Suryakumar happy with how things are going.
“Absolutely. I mean, every game is important. And yeah, we did start a little scratchy, but then I think we are on the road,” he concluded.
The defending champions will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (February 15) in Colombo.