India registered their biggest-ever win in T20 World Cup history with a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday, moving ahead of Pakistan at the top of Group A on net run-rate.

Despite posting a formidable 209 for 9, India’s batting effort was not entirely flawless, as Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus delivered an impressive spell of 4 for 20 to keep his side in contention during the middle overs.

Kishan and Pandya lead the charge

India’s innings was anchored by a blistering knock from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 61 off just 24 balls. His explosive stroke play included five sixes and six boundaries, bringing up a rapid half-century that laid a strong platform.

Hardik Pandya continued the momentum with a 28-ball 52, striking four sixes and four boundaries. He also shared a brisk 81-run partnership with Shivam Dube (23 off 16 balls) in just 6.3 overs to take India beyond the 200-mark.

Sanju Samson made a quick 22 off eight deliveries, including three sixes, but failed to convert his start. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav also could not capitalise, scoring 12 before being stumped off left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz.

While the surface at the Kotla was flat, Erasmus’ variations — including side-arm deliveries and bowling from behind the crease — created discomfort for several Indian batters, including Kishan, Pandya and Tilak Varma (25).

Namibia bowled out for 116

Chasing 210, Namibia struggled against India’s varied attack and were bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs.

Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 7 in two overs, while Pandya contributed with 2 for 21 in four overs. Axar Patel also chipped in with 2 for 20 as Namibia’s resistance faded after a brief show of aggressive intent.

The result leaves India needing just one win from their remaining two matches to qualify for the Super Eights stage.

With Pakistan next in sight, the comprehensive win provides India with momentum, though the contest against Namibia revealed areas that will demand sharper execution in the high-pressure clash ahead.

Pakistan has officially allowed its national cricket team to play against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, bringing an end to days of uncertainty over the high-profile February 15 clash. The decision follows a late-night government notification reversing an earlier stance to boycott the match.

In its statement, the Pakistan government said the move was taken after considering outcomes of multilateral discussions and appeals from friendly nations. It added that the decision was aimed at protecting the spirit of cricket and ensuring continuity of the global sport.

The clearance means the India-Pakistan match will proceed as scheduled, putting to rest speculation surrounding one of the most watched fixtures in world cricket.

Diplomatic outreach preceded reversal

The turnaround came after discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board, Bangladesh Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council, which were held in Lahore. Around the same time, Bangladesh cricket officials urged Pakistan to reconsider its position in the interest of the wider cricketing ecosystem.

Bangladesh’s cricket board chief publicly appealed to Pakistan to take the field, framing the request as one made for the benefit of the game. The appeal also provided Pakistan with diplomatic space to revise its earlier position without appearing to retreat unilaterally.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier publicly supported a boycott of the India match, linking it to developments involving Bangladesh. The subsequent outreach from regional partners helped create a pathway for Islamabad to change course.

ICC stance and broader implications

Following the talks, the ICC confirmed that no penalties would be imposed on Bangladesh despite its non-participation in the tournament. Bangladesh has already been replaced by Scotland in the competition lineup.

The world body also reiterated that all member boards are expected to honour their commitments to ICC events and work collectively to ensure the success of the tournament.

The ICC acknowledged the role played by all stakeholders in resolving the issue, stating that dialogue was conducted in a constructive manner focused on integrity, neutrality and cooperation.

PCB reaction and earlier demands

Before the official government clearance, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi had indicated that the board was not concerned about possible sanctions. During discussions with ICC officials, the PCB had raised demands including resumption of bilateral cricket with India and a proposed tri-series involving Bangladesh.

While bilateral cricket was ruled outside the ICC’s jurisdiction, the tri-series proposal did not find support.

With the government’s approval now in place, Pakistan will take the field against India as scheduled, marking a formal end to the boycott episode.

The standoff surrounding Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup group-stage match against India appears to be entering its final phase, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejecting several key demands raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during negotiations.

Senior officials from the PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the ICC recently held discussions aimed at resolving the deadlock over what is widely considered the most commercially significant fixture of the tournament. Estimates suggest the India–Pakistan clash alone could be worth more than Rs 4,000 crore when broadcast, sponsorship, and commercial factors are taken into account.

According to sources, while some proposals received partial consideration, the ICC firmly declined requests that involved bilateral cricketing arrangements.

What Pakistan asked for and how the ICC responded

One of the PCB’s demands was that Bangladesh should not face any financial penalty despite not playing the T20 World Cup. The ICC clarified that this had already been decided, confirming that Bangladesh would receive its full revenue share.

The PCB also sought an additional ICC event for Bangladesh in the next cycle as compensation. In response, the ICC indicated that hosting an Under-19 World Cup during the upcoming cycle is under consideration.

However, Pakistan’s more politically sensitive proposals were rejected. The PCB urged the ICC to intervene in facilitating a bilateral series between India and Pakistan. The ICC declined, stating that bilateral series fall outside its jurisdiction, including within the framework of the World Test Championship.

A proposal for a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh also met a similar fate, with the ICC reiterating that it has no authority to mandate such tournaments. Likewise, a request for ICC involvement in ensuring an India tour of Bangladesh in 2026 was turned down, with the council maintaining that international tours are decided directly between cricket boards.

Deadline given, decision awaited

Sources said the ICC has granted the PCB a 24-hour window after chairman Mohsin Naqvi requested time to consult Pakistan’s Prime Minister. A follow-up meeting is expected soon, and an official announcement from the ICC is likely within the next day.

With commercial stakes high and the tournament schedule looming, the coming hours could determine whether Pakistan formally reverses its boycott stance or allows the issue to escalate further.