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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is hurtling towards the Super 8 stage, and the 35th match of the tournament presents a high-pressure encounter with contrasting emotions. On Wednesday, 18th February 2026, a wounded Pakistan will take on a spirited but eliminated Namibia at the SSC Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
As we analyze this PAK vs NAM 35th T20 match prediction, the stakes are incredibly high for one side, while the other plays for pride. Pakistan, currently sitting third in Group A with two wins and one loss, find themselves in a precarious position. Their recent 61-run demolition at the hands of arch-rivals India has not only hurt their net run rate but has also exposed significant chinks in their batting armor. The top order crumbled under pressure against quality spin and pace, managing a paltry 114 in response to India’s 175. They now face a must-win situation against Namibia to secure their passage to the next round.
On the other hand, Namibia’s dream run from previous World Cups has hit a roadblock this time. Rooted to the bottom of the group with three consecutive losses, they are already eliminated from the tournament. However, they have shown glimpses of fight, particularly with the bat. Louren Steenkamp has been a bright spot, scoring 93 runs, and captain Gerhard Erasmus has led from the front with the ball, picking up 6 wickets.
This Pakistan vs Namibia clash is a classic trap game. Pakistan, with their rich history and star-studded lineup, are overwhelming favorites, but the pressure of expectation can do funny things to a team. Namibia, with nothing to lose, will play with complete freedom and look to sign off on a high by causing the biggest upset of the tournament.
Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | PAK vs NAM, 35th T20 Match, Group A |
| Date | Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM Local Time |
| Venue | SSC Cricket Stadium, Colombo |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Preview
Pakistan Team Preview
The Pakistan cricket team finds itself in a familiar yet uncomfortable position: needing a win to survive in a World Cup. After a promising start to their campaign with two wins, they were brought crashing back down to earth by their fiercest rivals, India, in a humbling 61-run defeat. That match exposed the fragile mindset of the Pakistani batting lineup when faced with high-quality spin and pressure.
Chasing a target of 176, they were reduced to rubble, losing three early wickets and eventually being bowled out for a paltry 114. The top order, including the likes of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, failed miserably. Farhan, despite being the team’s leading run-scorer with 120 runs, looked out of sorts. The middle order, spearheaded by Usman Khan who scored a fighting 44, showed some resistance but lacked support from the other end. The absence of Babar Azam has been felt deeply, as the team lacks a stable anchor to rebuild innings after early setbacks.
The bowling attack, once considered Pakistan’s greatest strength, also had an off day against India. While Saim Ayub has been a surprise package with the ball, picking up 5 wickets, the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were taken to the cleaners. They will be eager to redeem themselves on the slower surface in Colombo.
Captain Salman Ali Agha will need to manage his bowlers carefully and ensure they bowl tight lines to a determined Namibian side. The key for Pakistan will be to put the India loss behind them mentally. They need to approach this game with aggression and clarity. A big win is non-negotiable, not just for the two points, but to significantly boost their net run rate, which could be crucial for qualification. Expect them to come out all guns blazing.
Namibia Team Preview
For Namibia, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been a tournament to forget. With three losses from three matches, they are already packing their bags. However, as a proud cricketing nation known for their giant-killing acts in previous World Cups, they will be desperate to end their campaign on a high note. Their batting has shown signs of life, particularly at the top. Louren Steenkamp has been their standout batter, accumulating 93 runs and providing aggressive starts.
In the last game against the USA, he stitched a crucial 54-run opening partnership with Jan Frylinck, giving fans hope of a competitive chase. However, the fragility of the middle order has been their undoing time and again. Once the openers depart, the scoring rate plummets, and the innings loses its way. Captain Gerhard Erasmus has tried to lead from the front, but he has lacked support from the other end.
With the ball, Erasmus has been exceptional, claiming 6 wickets and proving to be their most reliable bowler. He is well-supported by the left-arm pace of Ruben Trumpelmann and the spin of Bernard Scholtz. However, against a power-packed Pakistani lineup, they will need to be at their absolute best. This match is a free hit for Namibia.
With no pressure of qualification, they can play with freedom and express themselves. They will take inspiration from their previous victories over higher-ranked teams and look to spoil Pakistan’s party. A win here would be a massive morale booster and a fitting farewell for their fans. They have the talent to cause an upset; they just need to believe.
Team Squad
Pakistan Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Namibia Squad:
Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green (wk), Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo.
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan Probable Playing XI:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Namibia Probable Playing XI:
Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Malan Kruger, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo.
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-Keeper | Usman Khan | Pakistan |
| Wicket-Keeper | Zane Green | Namibia |
| Batter | Babar Azam | Pakistan |
| Batter | Sahibzada Farhan | Pakistan |
| Batter | Louren Steenkamp | Namibia |
| All-Rounder | Salman Ali Agha | Pakistan |
| All-Rounder | Gerhard Erasmus | Namibia |
| All-Rounder | Saim Ayub | Pakistan |
| Bowler | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan |
| Bowler | Naseem Shah | Pakistan |
| Bowler | Ruben Trumpelmann | Namibia |
Building a winning fantasy XI for this PAK vs NAM clash requires a strategy of loading up on quality Pakistani players while picking Namibia’s key match-winners who can provide differential points. We start with the wicket-keepers. Pakistan’s Usman Khan was the lone warrior with the bat against India, scoring a fighting 44, and is a safe bet for runs . Namibia’s Zane Green is a reliable middle-order batter who can accelerate at the death.
The batting lineup is headlined by the return of Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam, who will be desperate to anchor the innings and score big. Sahibzada Farhan is Pakistan’s leading run-scorer and a consistent performer. From Namibia, opener Louren Steenkamp is their top batter and an automatic pick for his aggressive stroke play .
The all-rounder department is the strongest suit of this XI. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha provides stability with the bat and useful off-spin. Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus is their best player, leading the wicket-taking charts with 6 scalps and contributing crucial runs in the middle order. Saim Ayub is a gem, contributing with explosive batting and being Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with 5 scalps, making him a high-upside pick .
The bowling attack is spearheaded by Pakistan’s pace duo. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are world-class operators who will be eager to bounce back and pick up early wickets. Namibia’s Ruben Trumpelmann is their strike bowler with the new ball and a genuine wicket-taking threat on his day.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:
- Captain: Babar Azam (Returning to the lineup, class player, due for a big score in a must-win game).
- Vice-Captain: Gerhard Erasmus (All-round threat, leading wicket-taker for Namibia, and key batter).
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team:
- Fakhar Zaman (PAK): Has struggled for form and consistency. Batting lower down the order, he might not get enough deliveries to make a significant fantasy impact.
- JJ Smit (NAM): Has had a quiet tournament with both bat and ball. On current form, there are better all-round options available from both sides.
Pitch Report
The SSC Cricket Stadium in Colombo offers a balanced surface. It is generally good for batting, with true bounce allowing for stroke play. However, spinners come into play as the game progresses, with the pitch slowing down and offering turn. Pacers need to use variations effectively. The average first innings score here is around 160-165. Batting first is slightly preferred.
Weather Report
Colombo will experience warm and humid conditions with clear skies. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring a full 20-over contest. Temperatures will be around 30°C with high humidity.
Toss Prediction
Given the conditions in Colombo and the must-win nature of the game, the captain winning the toss will likely want to bat first to put pressure on the opposition. We predict Pakistan will win the toss and bat first.
Probable Best Batter & Bowler
Probable Best Batter: Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam is returning to the side at a crucial juncture. The classy right-hander is known for his ability to anchor innings and play according to the situation. On a good batting surface in Colombo, he will have the perfect platform to showcase his elegant stroke play. Expect him to play a captain’s knock and be the top scorer for his team.
Probable Best Bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Shaheen Shah Afridi has had a quiet game by his standards and will be eager to bounce back. His ability to swing the new ball and pick up early wickets makes him the most dangerous bowler in this contest. Against a relatively inexperienced Namibian top order, he is primed to run through the lineup and add crucial wickets to his tally.
Match Prediction
This is a clear mismatch on paper. Pakistan, despite their recent loss, are a world-class side with match-winners in every department. Namibia have fought hard but lack the depth to compete with Pakistan’s pace attack and batting lineup. Expect Pakistan to win comfortably and boost their net run rate to secure qualification for the Super 8s.
Our Winner: Pakistan Will Win
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