The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo hosts a Group A showdown with vastly different stakes for the two combatants. Pakistan, wounded and desperate, faces a must-win situation. Their tournament has been a study in frustration, a nervy escape against the Netherlands, a dominant win over the USA, and then a humbling 61-run defeat to India that exposed every batting vulnerability. Now they stand on the precipice: win here, and Super 8 qualification remains in their hands. Lose, and they face an anxious wait on net run rate calculations. Namibia, by contrast, are already out. Three losses to the Netherlands, India, and USA have ended their Super 8 dreams. This is about pride, about taking something positive home from a tournament that promised much but delivered little. History favors Pakistan; they beat Namibia by 45 runs in their only previous meeting. But on a Colombo surface offering assistance to spinners, against a Namibian side with nothing to lose, the Men in Green cannot afford complacency.
Pakistan vs Namibia Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
PAK vs NAM, Group A T20 World Cup 2026 35th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 35th Match, Group A |
| Date | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
PAK vs NAM Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Pakistan
Pakistan’s form is mixed (L, W, W, W, W), with two tournament wins and a crushing defeat to India. Their key strength is bowling depth, with six bowlers taking three or more wickets. Saim Ayub has emerged as a genuine threat (5 wickets, including 3/25 vs India). The batting, however, is a major concern. Sahibzada Farhan leads with 120 runs, but Babar Azam has been a disappointment (66 runs total). The middle order, outside Shadab Khan (52 runs), has collapsed under pressure. The psychological edge is desperation; they know this is their last chance.
Namibia
Namibia’s form is dire (L, L, L, L, W), with three tournament losses. Their key strength is individual brilliance. Louren Steenkamp leads with 93 runs, including a superb 58 off 39 against USA. Nicol Loftie-Eaton (83 runs) and Jan Frylinck (71 runs) have contributed. The bowling is Erasmus-dependent; the captain has taken 6 wickets, including a stunning 4/20 against India. Beyond him, wickets have been scarce. Their realistic objective is to compete fearlessly and leave with pride intact.
PAK vs NAM Probable Playing XI
Pakistan Probable XI-
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Namibia Probable XI-
Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (C), JJ Smit, Zane Green (WK), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo.
PAK vs NAM Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Total Match Played | 01 |
| PAK Won | 01 |
| NAM Won | 00 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
PAK vs NAM Pitch Report
The SSC Colombo pitch offers a balanced surface for T20 cricket. Initially, there is movement available with true bounce, making run-scoring possible. However, once the new ball shine fades, the surface offers more turn and grip for spinners. The average first-innings score is 168 after six T20Is at this venue. Ireland posted the tournament-high 235 here. Batters must not play risky shots, as scoring opportunities exist for those who apply themselves.
PAK vs NAM Weather Report
The forecast is concerning. There is a 40-50% chance of rain with clouds looming throughout the day. Temperatures will be around 28-27°C, with a 70% probability of precipitation. The threat of rain interruptions cannot be overlooked.
PAK vs NAM Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first. The last two matches at this venue have been won by the side batting first, and with rain threatening, setting a target gives the batting side control over their destiny.
PAK vs NAM Match Prediction
This is a must-win game for Pakistan against an already-eliminated opponent. The pressure is immense, but so is the quality gap.
Pakistan’s case: Their bowling attack is tailor-made for these conditions. Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq form a potent spin unit that will trouble Namibia’s middle order. Shaheen Afridi, despite his economy, remains a genuine wicket-taking threat. The batting, while inconsistent, has match-winners. Farhan has shown he can score. Babar is due, a player of his class cannot fail forever. They have the desperation of knowing this is their last chance.
Namibia’s case: They have Gerhard Erasmus, a genuine all-round match-winner who has taken 6 wickets, including a stunning 4/20 against India. Louren Steenkamp is in good touch. They have nothing to lose, which can be dangerous. The freedom of playing without pressure could unlock their potential.
However, Namibia’s bowling, outside Erasmus, has been toothless. Their batting, outside the top three, has been inconsistent. Pakistan’s attack, even on an off day, is infinitely more threatening.
Expect Pakistan to approach this with controlled aggression Farhan and Ayub attacking early, the middle order consolidating, and the spinners strangling in the middle overs. Namibia will compete, Erasmus may produce magic, Steenkamp may score but Pakistan’s superior class, desperation, and historical advantage should see them secure a vital victory and keep their Super 8 hopes alive.
PAK vs NAM Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Usman Khan, Zane Green
- Batters: Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Louren Steenkamp
- All–rounders: Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Gerhard Erasmus
- Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Bernard Scholtz
Captain (C) Pick: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Gerhard Erasmus,Shadab Khan.
