Sanju Samson got a chance to play in India’s T20 World Cup Group A match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, February 12. The right-handed batsman earned an opportunity after that Abhishek Sharma missed the match due to a stomach ailment.
After India were asked to bat first, Samson opened the innings alongside Ishan Kishan and looked brilliant. He scored 22 runs off eight balls, including one four and three sixes, and looked set to dominate the night. However, as the game progressed, right-arm pacer Ben Shikongo claimed his wicket as Samson missed a golden chance to post a high score.
India vs Namibia T20 World Cup Updates
However, Samson could get another opportunity when India take on Pakistan in Colombo. At the toss, Suryakumar Yadav hinted that Abhishek might miss the game on Sunday as well, meaning Samson’s luck may not have run out yet.
Before that, Samson lost his opening spot to Ishan Kishan, who was terrific in the series against New Zealand, where he also scored 42 balls in Thiruvananthapuram. Sanju, on the other hand, struggled for runs despite showing a lot of promise. Kishan also impressed against Namibia, racing to a 20-ball fifty and scoring 61 off 24 before being dismissed by Gerhard Erasmus.
HOW SAMSON DID AGAINST NAMIBIA
Samson opened his innings with an aggressive flourish, taking the lead from the start and sending the bowlers under immediate pressure. He focused on loose deliveries, effortlessly sending full and short balls over the ropes, including back-to-back sixes off Shikong that showcased his power and timing.
His feet were confident and he looked in complete control, cleverly using the crease to adapt to line and length. The bowlers tried to regain control but Samson’s attacking intent dominated the first overs and put the fielders on the back foot.
However, his promising start came to an abrupt end when Shikongo produced a perfectly disguised slower ball. Deceived by the change in pace, Samson mistimed the flick and offered a simple catch to deep mid-wicket. What started as a potential game-defining inning ended up as a cameo, leaving fans wondering what might have been had he cashed in early.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 12, 2026