T20 World Cup warm-up: Kishan, Tilak tune up in style as India trump South Africa in high-scorer

India extended their red-hot T20 form into their only T20 World Cup warm-up fixture, beating South Africa by 30 runs in a high-scoring affair at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Choosing to bat first, skipper Suryakumar Yadav dropped a definitive hint over India's preferred wicket-keeper. That Sanju Samson did not bat all but confirmed that Ishan Kishan, who blasted a 20-ball 53 before retiring out, will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma in the tournament opener. Kishan meted out severe treatment on Anrich Nortje, taken apart for 29 runs in the fifth over.

Tilak Varma continued an impressive return from injury with a breezy 45. Suryakumar Yadav (30), Axar Patel (35*), and Hardik Pandya (30) all spent useful time in the middle as India posted 240/6.

In response, South Africa's decision to open with George Linde backfired as Arshdeep Singh removed him for a four-ball duck. Captain Aiden Markram (38), Ryan Rickelton (44), Tristan Stubbs (45*), Jason Smith (35), and Marco Jansen (31) all contributed, but India chipped away with wickets to keep the target beyond reach. Shivam Dube (1 for 57) was expensive, while Abhishek Sharma bagged two wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Quinton de Kock did not take part.

Brief Scores: India 240/6 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Tristan Stubbs 45*, Ryan Rickelton 44, Abhishek Sharma 2-32) by 30 runs.

In a high-scoring thriller in Bengaluru, Namibia prevailed over Scotland by six runs despite Brandon McMullen's sparkling 95.

Opting to bat first, Namibia's opening duo of Jan Frylinck (88) and Louren Steenkamp (51) amassed 79 in the powerplay in a 137-run partnership. An unbeaten 33 from captain Gerhard Erasmus and Ruben Trumpelmann's rapid 25 took Namibia to 226/4.

In the chase, McMullen walloped six fours and eight sixes in a 39-ball knock. Mark Watt (33) and skipper Richie Berrington (46) played supporting roles at a brisk pace. Needing 12 off the final over, JJ Smit held his nerve, giving away just five runs and dismissing Berrington to seal the win.

Brief Scores: Namibia 226/4 in 20 overs (Jan Frylinck 88, Louren Steenkamp 51) beat Scotland 220/5 in 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 95, Richie Berrington 46) by six runs.

Afghanistan made it two wins out of two in the warm-ups, completing a comfortable 23-run victory over West Indies in Bengaluru.

West Indies opted to bowl first but were subjected to a clinical batting display. Afghanistan rode on a 90-run opening stand between Rahmanullah Gurbaz (43) and Ibrahim Zadran (51). Azmatullah Omarzai plundered 24 runs off the 18th over before retiring out, helping Afghanistan to 182/6.

The chase never took off for West Indies. Azmatullah Omarzai removed Brandon King and Shai Hope in quick succession early on. Wickets kept falling regularly, but Matthew Forde raced to an unbeaten 26-ball 52 late in the innings. For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up two wickets. Skipper Rashid Khan did not bat or bowl.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 182/6 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 51, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 43) beat West Indies 159/7 in 20 overs (Matthew Forde 52*, Rovman Powell 32, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2-19) by 23 runs.

Rain in Colombo forced a washout in the warm-up fixture between Ireland and Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club before the toss could take place. This was the only scheduled warm-up for both teams ahead of the main draw.

Pakistan will open their World Cup against the Netherlands on Saturday, while Ireland begin their campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka the following day. Both matches will be at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.