Ishan Kishan scripted a new record on Thursday. Kishan smashed 61 runs off just 24 balls. His knock was explosive and match-defining. The 27-year-old became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a half-century in a T20 World Cup match. He reached the milestone against Namibia in New Delhi.

The earlier record was held by MS Dhoni. The former India captain had scored 45 off 33 balls against South Africa in the 2007 T20 World Cup. Kishan has now set a new benchmark for Indian wicketkeeper-batters on the tournament stage.

India delivered a commanding performance ahead of Sunday’s clash against Pakistan in Colombo. Batting first, India piled up 209 for 9. Ishan Kishan led the charge, and Hardik Pandya added a brisk 52. The total proved far too steep for Namibia.

Namibia were bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs. Varun Chakravarthy broke the chase early. He removed Louren Steenkamp for 29 with his first ball. He then picked up two more wickets in his next over. He finished with superb figures of 3 for 7 in two overs.

Axar Patel struck twice. One of his wickets was Malan Kruger for 5. Jasprit Bumrah completed a sharp diving catch at short fine-leg to seal it.

Hardik chipped in with the ball as well. He took two wickets in two deliveries late in the innings. The hat-trick did not come. But Namibia collapsed soon after.

With the win, India now have two victories in two Group A matches. Pakistan also has two wins. However, India moved ahead on net run-rate.

Meanwhile, Pakistan reversed its earlier decision to boycott Sunday’s game. The move had been planned as a protest after Bangladesh were removed from the tournament.

The stakes are clear. The winner on Sunday will secure a place in the Super Eight stage.