11
Match Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru
Time: 5:00 PM IST
Format: T20 Warm-Up Match
Match Preview: Final Warm-Up Before World Cup Action
India A faces Namibia in the final warm-up fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 today at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Led by Ayush Badoni, the Indian side will look to maintain their winning momentum after a convincing 38-run victory over the United States in their opening warm-up clash.
This match holds special significance as India prepares for their tournament opener against the USA on February 7, while Namibia aims to build confidence before facing Pakistan in their World Cup campaign. With the main tournament starting tomorrow, both teams will use this final preparation match to fine-tune their combinations and strategies.
India A’s Recent Form: Building Confidence
India A comes into this contest riding high after their dominant performance against the USA. Narayan Jagadeesan produced a magnificent century, scoring 104 off 55 balls, while captain Ayush Badoni remained unbeaten on 60. The team posted an imposing total of 238/3, demonstrating their batting firepower.
Ravi Bishnoi led the bowling attack with a three-wicket spell, helping India A defend their total comfortably. This balanced performance across batting and bowling departments has set the right tone for the tournament ahead.
Key Players in Focus
With Harshit Rana doubtful for the main World Cup and Washington Sundar yet to regain full fitness, today’s match offers a crucial opportunity for several players to stake their claim as potential alternatives. Players like Mayank Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Riyan Parag, and Ravi Bishnoi will be under the scanner as they showcase their skills against quality opposition.
Notably, Tilak Varma, who was part of the India A squad against the USA, will not feature in today’s match as he has rejoined the senior Indian team for the World Cup. The Hyderabad batter had shown excellent form, scoring 38 against the USA and an impressive 45 against South Africa in an earlier warm-up, indicating his readiness for bigger challenges.
Namibia’s Challenge: Momentum from Scotland Victory
Namibia enters this fixture on a positive note, having edged Scotland by six runs in a thrilling encounter. Jan Frylinck smashed 88 from 44 deliveries, while Louren Steenkamp contributed 51 as Namibia posted a commanding 226/4. The opening partnership of 137 runs showcased their aggressive intent.
Captain Gerhard Erasmus remained unbeaten on 33, while valuable contributions from JJ Smit (22) and Ruben Trumpelmann (25) helped Namibia cross the 200-run mark. Their ability to defend the total under pressure will give them confidence heading into today’s match.
For Namibia, this contest serves as ideal preparation against high-quality opposition before the World Cup begins. The African side recently defeated South Africa in a one-off T20I game, proving they can compete against stronger teams when their key players fire.
Predicted Playing XIs
India A Predicted XI: Priyansh Arya, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Ayush Badoni (c), Riyan Parag, Naman Dhir, Urvil Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mayank Yadav, Manav Suthar
Namibia Predicted XI: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Malan Kruger, Zane Green (wk), Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo
Where to Watch: Live Streaming Details
The India A vs Namibia warm-up match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Unfortunately, there will be no television broadcast of the game in the country. The toss will take place 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of 5:00 PM IST.
International viewers can access the match through ICC digital channels, with select regions having coverage on official ICC licensees. Video highlights will be available across ICC Digital channels including ICC.tv for fans worldwide.
Read More.
Tactical Analysis
India A will likely continue their aggressive approach that yielded results against the USA. With power-hitters like Badoni, Parag, and Ashutosh Sharma in the lineup, they possess the firepower to post intimidating totals. The bowling attack, led by Bishnoi’s leg-spin and supported by pace options like Mayank Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed, provides good balance.
Namibia’s strategy will revolve around their explosive opening pair providing strong starts. Their ability to score quickly in the powerplay was evident against Scotland, and they’ll look to replicate that performance. The middle order’s responsibility will be to maintain momentum and set up competitive totals.
Match Prediction
India A enters as favorites based on their recent form and superior squad depth. The presence of fringe Indian internationals gives them an edge in quality and experience. However, Namibia’s confidence from their Scotland victory and their recent upset against South Africa means they cannot be taken lightly.
Expected Winner: India A
Predicted Margin: 25-30 runs or 4-5 wickets
Tournament Context
This warm-up series has been crucial for both teams. While India’s senior squad defeated South Africa by 30 runs in a high-scoring encounter where they posted 240/6, the India A team has provided opportunities for bench players to showcase their abilities. Similarly, Namibia’s victories and competitive performances have boosted their confidence ahead of the main tournament.
As the final warm-up fixture before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially begins on February 7, both teams will aim to sign off with strong performances. For India A, it’s about maintaining momentum and giving players match practice. For Namibia, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition and enter the tournament proper on an upbeat note.
