New Delhi, February 12 Openers Ishan Kishan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya scored aggressive half-centuries to propel India to 209 for nine against Namibia in their T20 World Cup match here on Thursday.
Kishan smashed a blistering 61 off 24 balls, while Pandya scored 52 off 28 balls, sharing a partnership of 81 runs for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube (23 off 16 balls).
Asked to bat first, India crossed 100 in the seventh over with Ishan looking in imperious form, reaching his 50 in just 20 balls.
Namibia managed a partial comeback before India accelerated, with Pandya leading the charge alongside Dube.
However, India lost five wickets for just four runs in the final overs, despite being in a strong position at 199 for four at the start of the 19th over.
Skipper Gerhard Erasmus of Namibia returned excellent figures of 4/20 from his four overs, using a variety of variations.
Brief scores:
India: 209/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 61, Hardik Pandya 52; Gerhard Erasmus 4/20).
