Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s half-century was ended by a brilliant boundary catch by Dylan Leicher during India’s second T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Pandya scored a magnificent half-century, an aggressive knock of 52 off 28 balls, an innings filled with four fours and as many sixes.
However, his stay at the crease was cut short by an excellent boundary catch from Dylan Leicher, who showed great presence of mind by not touching the ropes in possession. Leicher first threw the ball into the air before stepping out of bounds and then returned in time to safely complete the catch on the field.
FIFA World Cup T20: The best of India vs Namibia
Pandya put together a stunning 81 off just 39 deliveries for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dub contributing 23 off 16 balls to help India recover from 124/4 in 11.5 overs. The all-rounder started his innings cautiously before finding his rhythm, getting off the mark in style with a maximum off his eighth delivery, bowled by Bernard Scholtz.
Pandya brought up his half-century off just 27 deliveries by blasting Gerhard Erasmus for a towering six over deep mid-wicket. However, he was dismissed on the very next ball and stretched to deep square leg. After Pandya’s departure, India lost their way dramatically, losing the last five wickets for just five runs in the space of 11 balls.
Innings of two halves for India
The Men in Blue seemed to be well on their way, posting another impressive total after a fireworks display from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 61 off 24 balls. Sanju Samson who chipped in with a brisk 22 off eight deliveries. India were 104/1 after the first seven overs but could only score 105 runs in the remaining 13 overs, losing eight wickets.
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus, who returned figures of 4/20, went through the Indian batting line-up and enabled his team to stem the flow of runs during the middle overs. India eventually completed their innings at 209/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 12, 2026