Pakistan meet Namibia in a decisive Group-stage encounter that will shape the Super Eight race at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Colombo clash places Pakistan under pressure to rebound from a heavy defeat, while Namibia chase pride and a potential tournament-altering upset.
Match details
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club
Date: Wednesday, February 18
Time: 3:00 PM IST, 2:30 PM PST, 9:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
Pakistan enter Match 35 with their campaign finely poised. Under captain Salman Ali Agha, they began the tournament with back-to-back wins against the Netherlands and the United States, which placed them firmly on course for qualification. Their momentum stalled sharply in the previous game, where they suffered a comprehensive 61-run loss to India. That result has left Pakistan with little margin for error. A win against Namibia will confirm their progression to the Super Eight, while another slip could open the door for the USA to advance instead.
Namibia have endured a difficult tournament in terms of results, although flashes of individual quality have surfaced. They have lost all three matches so far and remain without a point. Captain Gerhard Erasmus has led a side that has competed in patches but failed to sustain pressure as a unit across full matches. With qualification out of reach, Namibia now focus on finishing their campaign on a positive note. A victory over Pakistan would not only lift team morale but also serve as a significant statement ahead of future international assignments.
Key players
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan stands out as a crucial top-order contributor. He scored 120 runs across the first two matches, highlighted by a fluent 41-ball 73 against the USA, before falling for a duck against India. His ability to set the tone in the powerplay remains central to Pakistan’s plans. Salman Ali Agha’s leadership and all-round balance, combined with the experience of Babar Azam in the middle order, give Pakistan stability, while Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed provide wicket-taking options with the new ball and through the middle overs.
Namibia rely heavily on Gerhard Erasmus, who continues to impress with his intelligent use of variations. He has taken six wickets in three matches at an economy of 9.67 and often disrupts batters by changing angles and release points. Support from all-rounders such as JJ Smit and Jan Frylinck will prove vital if Namibia are to challenge a strong Pakistan lineup.
Head-to-head record
Pakistan and Namibia have met once in T20 internationals. Pakistan won that only-ever fixture on November 2, 2021. Namibia still search for their first victory against Pakistan in the format.
Pitch report
The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo has offered balanced conditions during the tournament. Four matches at the venue have produced an average first-innings score of around 169. Spinners have enjoyed assistance, particularly when they maintain disciplined lengths, but batters have also found value for shots once set. Both teams batting first and chasing have won two matches each, which suggests that adaptability rather than the toss will decide outcomes.
Probable match scenarios
Pakistan may look to bat with controlled aggression if they set a target, aiming to post a competitive total around the venue average and then apply scoreboard pressure with spin. If they chase, expect a measured approach early before acceleration through the middle overs.
Namibia need early wickets to expose Pakistan’s middle order and force mistakes. Tight spells from spin and smart changes of pace could keep the contest alive, especially if they bat with freedom and clarity.
Probable playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Namibia: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (captain), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wicketkeeper), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: JioStar Network Channels on television and JioHotstar on the app and website.
Pakistan: No official broadcaster announced in the provided details.
United Kingdom: No official broadcaster announced in the provided details.
Australia: No official broadcaster announced in the provided details.
Global viewers: Streaming and broadcast information outside India has not been specified in the provided details.
Match prediction
Pakistan start as favourites due to depth, experience, and recent winning form despite the setback against India. Namibia possess the tools to compete, particularly through disciplined bowling and fearless batting, but Pakistan’s overall balance should prevail if they execute plans with composure. Expect Pakistan to secure the win and move into the Super Eight, while Namibia aim to close their campaign with intent and fight.
