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The India National Cricket Team Vs Namibia National Cricket Team Timeline highlights the complete history of international matches between the two sides across ICC tournaments. Although India and Namibia have met only a few times, every contest has produced memorable moments, standout individual performances, and valuable lessons for both teams. From Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant century in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup to India’s dominant victories in the 2021 and 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, this rivalry reflects India’s strength and Namibia’s steady growth in international cricket. Explore every match, major milestone, records, and unforgettable moments in chronological order.
Major Matches
The India National Cricket Team vs Namibia National Cricket Team rivalry has been limited but significant, with every meeting taking place in an ICC tournament. Although the teams have never faced each other in a bilateral series, each encounter has highlighted the difference between a full-member powerhouse and a rising Associate nation. India has won all official meetings so far. (cricketdecoded.com)
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | ICC Cricket World Cup | Pietermaritzburg | India | Won by 181 runs |
| 2021 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | Dubai | India | Won by 9 wickets |
| 2026 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | Delhi | India | Won by 93 runs |
Historic Test Matches
India and Namibia have never played a Test match. Namibia does not have Test status, so there has been no opportunity for the two nations to meet in the longest format. (Team Match Timeline)
Historic ODI Matches
The only ODI between the two teams came during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup.
23 February 2003, Pietermaritzburg
- India: 311/2
- Namibia: 130 all out
- India won by 181 runs
Sachin Tendulkar produced a magnificent 152, while Sourav Ganguly remained unbeaten on 112. Their 244-run partnership completely dominated the contest and remains one of the most memorable partnerships in World Cup history.
Historic T20I Matches
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021
Namibia scored 132/8, but India comfortably chased the target with 136/1 in just 15.2 overs. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma gave India a flying start, while Ravindra Jadeja’s economical spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
India posted 209/9, powered by aggressive batting from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. Namibia were dismissed for 116, giving India a commanding 93-run victory. Hardik Pandya starred with both bat and ball. (NDTV Sports)
ICC Tournament Meetings
Every India vs Namibia international match has taken place in an ICC event.
| Tournament | Matches | India Wins | Namibia Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Cricket World Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Memorable Rivalry Moments
- 2003 World Cup: Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant 152 set up a massive victory.
- 2021 T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli captained India for the final time in a T20I before stepping down as captain in the format.
- 2026 T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya delivered a match-winning all-round performance as India dominated in Delhi.
Greatest Individual Performances
| Player | Performance | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 152 runs | ODI World Cup 2003 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 112* runs | ODI World Cup 2003 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 3/16 | T20 World Cup 2021 |
| KL Rahul | 54 runs | T20 World Cup 2021 |
| Hardik Pandya | 52 runs and 2 wickets | T20 World Cup 2026 |
Record-Breaking Matches
- India’s 181-run victory in 2003 remains the biggest winning margin between the two sides.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s 152 is still the highest individual score in India vs Namibia matches.
- The 244-run partnership between Tendulkar and Ganguly remains the highest partnership in the rivalry.
- India’s 209/9 in the 2026 T20 World Cup is the highest team total recorded in this fixture.
Recent Encounters
The latest meeting occurred during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Delhi.
- India: 209/9
- Namibia: 116 all out
- Result: India won by 93 runs
- Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya
The victory strengthened India’s unbeaten record against Namibia while showcasing Namibia’s continued presence on the global ICC stage despite the result.
Final Thoughts
The India National Cricket Team Vs Namibia National Cricket Team Timeline may feature only a handful of matches, but each encounter has contributed to cricket history. India has maintained a perfect winning record, while Namibia has earned respect for its determination and continued progress as an Associate nation. Their meetings have taken place exclusively in ICC events, making every game significant on the global stage. As Namibia continues to develop and India remains one of cricket’s strongest teams, future encounters promise fresh excitement, emerging stars, and memorable performances that will further enrich the history shared between these two nations.
FAQs
1. How many international matches have India and Namibia played?
India and Namibia have played three official international matches, including one ODI and two T20Is.
2. Has Namibia ever defeated India in international cricket?
No. India has won every official international match played against Namibia.
3. When was the first India vs Namibia match played?
The first meeting took place during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
4. Which tournaments have featured India vs Namibia matches?
Their meetings have occurred in the ICC Cricket World Cup (2003) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2021 and 2026).
5. Why is the India vs Namibia timeline important?
It showcases India’s consistent dominance, Namibia’s progress in international cricket, and memorable performances across ICC World Cup tournaments.
