India will take on Namibia, led by Gerhard Erasmus, in Match No. 18 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12. It will be the second match for the Men in Blue in the marquee tournament, and they will be hoping to continue their winning momentum.
India and Namibia are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, the USA, and the Netherlands. A win in this match will help the hosts strengthen their position in the points table. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super 8s of the tournament, making every game crucial.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of India and Namibia for the 18th match of the tournament, likely team combinations, and key players to watch in Delhi.
India Playing XI vs Namibia, Match No. 18
Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan
India are likely to continue opening with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. The pair failed to get going against the USA, but the team management is expected to give them more opportunities to prove their worth.
They will look to handle the new ball and score freely against the Namibian pacers during the powerplay. A strong start could keep Sanju Samson on the reserve bench for a little longer.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
Tilak Varma is expected to bat at number three, while captain Suryakumar Yadav will anchor the innings at number four. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh will share the finishing role.
The inclusion of Rinku Singh keeps spinner Kuldeep Yadav out of the playing XI despite the spin-friendly conditions in Delhi. Axar Patel, who can float in the batting order, adds balance with both bat and ball.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
India face a selection dilemma with the return of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj might be dropped despite taking three wickets in the previous match. Varun Chakravarthy will lead the spin attack alongside Axar Patel.
India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
Namibia Playing XI vs India, Match No. 18
Openers: Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp
Namibia are likely to pick Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp as the opening pair. Frylinck will look to take the attack to the opposition, while Steenkamp will aim to build the innings.
The duo provides a left-right combination and will look to dominate the Indian new-ball attack. If they get going, they can put immense pressure on the bowlers in the powerplay.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Malan Kruger, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk)
Captain Gerhard Erasmus anchors the lineup. The middle order is packed with power hitters, with Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and JJ Smit capable of clearing the ropes with ease. Smit will play a key finishing role, while Zane Green will take the gloves.
Bowlers: Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Willem Myburgh
The bowling attack will be led by the left-arm pace of Ruben Trumpelmann, who can swing the new ball and contribute with the bat lower down the order. The experienced Bernard Scholtz will handle the spin duties, which will be crucial on the Delhi surface. Willem Myburgh is expected to complete the attack.
Namibia Playing XI: Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Willem Myburgh.
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