NAMIBIA will be in action today when they face the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues with action-packed matches across India. The Eagles will be well aware that there are no easy games at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with several so-called underdogs proving they can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 burst into life with dominant wins for early favourites and spirited challenges from associate nations, as India, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Scotland all registered victories across the opening three days of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Defending champions and early favourites prevail
Reigning champions India began their title defence with a 29-run win over the USA in Mumbai, recovering from early trouble to post a competitive 161 before restricting the Americans with disciplined bowling. Suryakumar Yadav anchored the Indian innings after a top-order collapse, while Mohammed Siraj led the bowling charge to seal the victory.
Earlier, West Indies overcame Scotland by 35 runs after Shimron Hetmyer’s blistering 64 powered them to 182. Scotland threatened through partnerships in the chase, but Romario Shepherd’s four-wicket over, including a hat-trick, shattered their resistance.
Pakistan survived a late scare to beat the Netherlands in the tournament opener. The Dutch posted 147, with Scott Edwards top-scoring, before Pakistan stumbled in the chase. Faheem Ashraf’s late assault, including three sixes in the penultimate over, swung the game back Pakistan’s way, as they won with three balls to spare.
Day 2: Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand stay on course
Co-hosts Sri Lanka opened their campaign with a controlled win over Ireland, successfully defending 163. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana shared key wickets to choke Ireland’s chase, with Hasaranga finishing with figures of 3/25. Earlier, Kamindu Mendis’ rapid 44 and Kusal Mendis’ composed half-century lifted Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
England were pushed hard by Nepal but edged a four-run victory in a thriller. After posting 184, England were made to work for the win as Nepal built a strong middle-overs partnership. Sam Curran held his nerve in the final over, conceding just six runs to seal the narrow victory.
New Zealand recovered from early wickets to beat Afghanistan in Chennai. Gulbadin Naib’s 63 lifted Afghanistan to 182, but Tim Seifert’s attacking half-century steadied New Zealand’s chase. Despite late pressure from Afghanistan’s spinners, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner guided the Black Caps home with overs to spare.
Day 3: South Africa dominate as associates show fight
South Africa produced a commanding all-round display to beat Canada by 57 runs in Ahmedabad. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram laid the platform with a flying start, before late hitting from David Miller and Tristan Stubbs lifted the Proteas to 213/4. Lungi Ngidi then ripped through Canada’s top order with a four-wicket haul to seal a comprehensive win.
Zimbabwe also made a powerful statement, crushing Oman after restricting them to 103. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava shared early wickets, while Sikandar Raza chipped in with the ball. Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 48 guided Zimbabwe to a comfortable chase.
Scotland registered their first points with a dominant 73-run victory over Italy, posting their highest-ever T20 World Cup total. George Munsey starred with 84 as Scotland crossed 200, before Michael Leask’s four-wicket haul dismantled Italy’s chase.
The opening days of the tournament underlined the growing competitiveness of associate nations. Close contests involving Nepal, the USA and the Netherlands against established sides have added unpredictability and excitement to the tournament. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said the ICC’s two-year World Cup cycle has helped close the gap between associates and full-member nations.
Namibia open their campaign on 10 February against the Netherlands in New Delhi, in a challenging group that also includes India, Pakistan and the USA, as the tournament continues to gather momentum.
Score Results
07 February, 2026
Pakistan 148/7 (19.3) vs Netherlands 147 (19.5)
Pakistan beat Netherlands by 3 wickets
West Indies 182/5 (20.0) vs Scotland 147 (18.5)
West Indies beat Scotland by 35 runs
India 161/9 (20.0) vs USA 132/8 (20.0)
India beat USA by 29 runs
08 February, 2026
New Zealand 183/5 (17.5) vs Afghanistan 182/6 (20.0)
New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets
England 184/7 (20.0) vs Nepal 180/6 (20.0)
England beat Nepal by 4 runs
Sri Lanka 163/6 (20.0) vs Ireland 143 (19.5)
Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 20 runs
09 February, 2026
Zimbabwe 106/2 (13.3) vs Oman 103 (19.5)
Zimbabwe beat Oman by 8 wickets
Scotland 207/4 (20.0) vs Italy 134 (16.4)
Scotland beat Italy by 73 runs
South Africa 213/4 (20.0) vs Canada 156/8 (20.0)
South Africa beat Canada by 57 runs
Fixtures
10 February, 2026 (today)
Netherlands vs Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
New Zealand vs United Arab Emirates at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Pakistan vs USA at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Source: ICC-Cricket
