Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up: Day 3 Wrap
Defending champions India, Namibia and Afghanistan win big on Day 3 of warm-up fixtures ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
A total of eight teams were in action on Day 3 of the warm-up fixtures ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scotland took on Namibia in Bengaluru in the first fixture of the day, emerging victorious in a run-fest.
Afghanistan dominated West Indies with both bat and ball, while the third fixture between Ireland and Pakistan, scheduled to take place in Colombo, was abandoned due to rain.
The final fixture of the day saw co-hosts India dominate South Africa in a high-scoring encounter Navi Mumbai.
Namibia triumphant
Namibia opted to bat first in their warm-up fixture against Scotland and made full use of the decision, putting on a stunning display of aggressive, attacking cricket. Led by the opening pair of Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck, Namibia raced to a remarkable 137 in just 10.5 overs before Frylinck was dismissed after a superb 88.
Steenkamp followed in the next over after a brilliant 51 off 24 balls, but the momentum never dipped. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus (33 off 22), Ruben Trumpelmann (25 off 13), and JJ Smit (22 off 17) kept the onslaught going as Namibia powered their way to an imposing total of 226.
Scotland, in response, were not daunted by the target. Despite losing opener Michael Jones early, Brandon McMullen and Mark Watt counterattacked with a blistering 102-run partnership in just 7.1 overs before Watt was dismissed for 33.
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McMullen fell just short of a century on 95, but his knock came at a staggering strike rate of 243.58. Skipper Richie Berrington kept the momentum going alongside Tom Bruce (20 off 14) and Matthew Cross (11* off 8).
With 12 needed off the final over, Scotland looked on course for victory, but JJ Smuts struck with the crucial wicket of Berrington (46 off 26), turning the tide as Namibia held their nerve to seal a narrow six-run win.
Afghanistan defeat West Indies
Put in to bat first, Afghanistan’s openers provided a brisk start, racing to 90 in just 8.5 overs before Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 43 to Gudakesh Motie. Looking to give other batters time in the middle, fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran retired out in the 13th over after bringing up a brisk half-century. In the same over, Roston Chase removed Sediqullah Atal.
Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai then added a quick 56-run partnership before both retired out on 27 and 35 respectively. Afghanistan eventually finished with a total of 182/6.
West Indies struggled in the chase and were largely unable to mount a serious challenge as Afghanistan kept striking at regular intervals. Azmatullah Omarzai set the tone by dismissing Shai Hope in the second over, and the West Indies soon found themselves in deep trouble at 54/5 by the eighth over. Mohammad Nabi then removed the settled Rovman Powell, who had scored 32 off 27 balls, further compounding their woes.
A late fightback was led by Matthew Forde, who remained unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls, with able support from Jason Holder, who added 25* off 23 deliveries. However, the effort proved insufficient as West Indies eventually fell short by 23 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up two wickets apiece, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi chipped in with a wicket each.
Early fireworks from Kishan | T20WC 2026 Warm-up
India's Ishan Kishan's off to a flyer against South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Warm-up 2026.
India dominant
India came out all guns blazing in their warm-up fixture against South Africa. Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a blistering start as India raced to the 100-run mark in just eight overs. Kishan smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 20 balls, while Abhishek added 24* off 18 deliveries before both retired out.
Tilak Varma blasted 45 off just 19 balls and Suryakumar Yadav added another 30 off 16 deliveries as the onslaught continued, before Marco Jansen and Kwena Maphaka claimed their respective wickets. Hardik Pandya (30 off 10), Axar Patel (35* off 23), and Rinku Singh (16 off 13) added the finishing touches as India powered their way to 240/6.
Biggest of the night from Jansen | T20WC 2026 Warm-up
South Africa's Marco Jansen connects sweetly to send it for a maximum in the chase against India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Warm-up 2026.
South Africa were dealt an early blow when Arshdeep Singh removed George Linde in the first over. Aiden Markram, however, refused to slow down and led the counter-attack with an impressive 38 off 19 balls.
Ryan Rickelton carried on the momentum with a brisk 44 off 21 deliveries. Shivam Dube and Varun Chakaravarthy then struck in quick succession to rein in the scoring rate.
Jason Smith (35 off 23), Marco Jansen (31 off 16), and Tristan Stubbs (45 off 21) added late impetus to the South African innings, but it wasn’t enough as they eventually fell well short of the target, finishing on 210.
While India begin their tournament against USA on February 7, South Africa will play Canada on February 9.
