India Vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 Match Preview: Schedule, Venue, Squads & Predicted XI

The buzz in Delhi is electric as India Vs Namibia – T20 World Cup 2026 takes center stage today at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. After a gritty 29-run victory against the USA in their opener, the Men in Blue are looking to solidify their spot at the top of Group A. On the other hand, Namibia is hungry for redemption following a tough loss to the Netherlands.

This match isn't just a formality; it’s a crucial stepping stone for India before the high-octane clash against Pakistan later this week. For Namibia, it’s a "giant-killer" opportunity they’ve been dreaming of since their historic win over South Africa last year.

Match Details & Schedule

If you’re planning your evening around India vs Namibia today match, here is the essential data you need:

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Feature	Details
Match	India vs Namibia, Match 18, Group A
Date	Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time	7:00 PM IST (13:30 GMT)
Venue	Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Live Stream	JioHotstar App & Website
TV Broadcast	Star Sports Network

Pitch Report: What to Expect in Delhi?

Having watched many games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, I can tell you the surface has changed over the years. Gone are the days of the slow, low "Kotla" dustbowl. The new square offers a true bounce and short boundaries that make it a paradise for stroke players.

• Early Advantage: Expect the ball to come onto the bat nicely in the first innings.

• The Dew Factor: As the sun sets over Delhi, the "Dew Factor" becomes a massive player. If you’re a captain, you’re almost certainly looking to bowl first to avoid a slippery ball in the second half.

• High Scoring: A par score here is around 175–180. Anything less, and the chasing team usually cruises home.

India vs Namibia Warm Up Match 2026 & Form Guide

While this is a group stage match, many fans are looking back at the India vs Namibia warm up match 2026 vibes where India tested their bench strength. Currently, India is on a 9-game winning streak in T20 World Cups, a record stretching back to their 2024 title run.

Namibia’s form has been patchy, but their 4-wicket win over South Africa in late 2025 proved they can't be taken lightly. As India faces Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026 match, the pressure is entirely on the hosts to maintain their "invincible" tag.

Team News: Injury Clouds & Key Returns

The Indian camp is dealing with a bit of a "flu bug." Here’s the latest from the ground:

• Abhishek Sharma: The explosive opener was hospitalized with a stomach infection. While he's been discharged, he is unlikely to play today.

• Jasprit Bumrah: Great news for fans—Bumrah is back! After missing the USA game with a fever, he’s been bowling at full tilt in the nets.

• Sanju Samson: With Abhishek doubtful and Ishan Kishan potentially shifting roles, Samson is expected to step in and handle the gloves or the top order.

Predicted XI for India vs Namibia

India (Probable XI):

1. Ishan Kishan (wk)

2. Sanju Samson

3. Tilak Varma

4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)

5. Hardik Pandya

6. Rinku Singh

7. Shivam Dube

8. Axar Patel

9. Varun Chakaravarthy

10. Arshdeep Singh

11. Jasprit Bumrah

Namibia (Probable XI):

1. Louren Steenkamp

2. Jan Frylinck

3. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton

4. Gerhard Erasmus (C)

5. JJ Smit

6. Zane Green (wk)

7. Dylan Leicher

8. Ruben Trumpelmann

9. Bernard Scholtz

10. Ben Shikongo

11. Max Heingo

Players to Watch

• Suryakumar Yadav (India): He rescued India from 77/6 against the USA with a masterclass 84*. In Delhi’s small ground, he could be lethal.

• Ruben Trumpelmann (Namibia): He’s known for taking wickets in the first over. If he can nip out an Indian opener early, things could get interesting.

• Varun Chakaravarthy (India): His "mystery" spin is often hard for Associate nations to pick, especially under lights.

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Final Thoughts

India is the heavy favorite, but the beauty of T20 is that it only takes one bad Powerplay to turn a match upside down. With Bumrah returning and SKY in red-hot form, Delhi is in for a treat.