The final Super 8 spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is up for grabs as Pakistan face Namibia in a high-pressure Group A clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Wednesday, February 18.
For Pakistan, the equation is simple: win and qualify. Lose, and they risk an early exit depending on other results. Namibia, already out of contention, can still play the role of spoilers — and a victory would indirectly send the USA through to the next round.
With everything on the line, expect a tense afternoon in Colombo.
Big Picture: Pakistan Under Pressure
Pakistan come into this match carrying the weight of expectation after their defeat against India exposed major cracks in the batting unit.
Repeated powerplay collapses have left skipper Salman Ali Agha searching for answers at the top. Senior batter Babar Azam and openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub will be under the spotlight, as Pakistan desperately need a solid start.
The middle order has looked unsettled, forcing reshuffles game after game. Pakistan’s bowling, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, has also lacked its usual rhythm, though Saim Ayub’s three-wicket burst against India was one of the few positives.
This is as close to a knockout as it gets — Pakistan cannot afford another slip.
Namibia’s Challenge: Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
Namibia may already be out of the Super 8 race, but they have shown enough discipline to suggest they won’t go down quietly.
Captain Gerhard Erasmus remains their biggest threat, especially with his clever off-spin variations that troubled even India’s middle order earlier in the tournament.
Left-arm pacer JJ Smit provides control in the powerplay, while batters like Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck have given useful starts despite inconsistent results.
Namibia’s strategy will be clear: strike early against Pakistan’s fragile top order and drag the match into a low-scoring scrap where pressure can do the damage.
Players to Watch
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
A big-match player, but Pakistan need him to anchor the innings and deliver when it matters most.
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)
Namibia’s captain is their tactical brain — dangerous with both bat and ball, and capable of turning games with his off-spin.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Still searching for peak rhythm, Shaheen’s new-ball spell could decide Pakistan’s fate.
Pakistan vs Namibia: Probable Playing XI
Pakistan Playing XI (Probable)
- Saim Ayub
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Babar Azam
- Usman Khan (wk)
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Usman Tariq
- Abrar Ahmed
Namibia Playing XI (Probable)
- Jan Frylinck
- Louren Steenkamp
- Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
- Gerhard Erasmus (c)
- JJ Smit
- Zane Green (wk)
- Dylan Leicher
- Ruben Trumpelmann
- Willem Myburgh
- Bernard Scholtz
- Max Heingo
Pakistan vs Namibia Head-to-Head (T20Is)
- Total Matches: 1
- Pakistan Won: 1
- Namibia Won: 0
- No Result: 0
Pakistan have won the only previous meeting, but Namibia have improved significantly since then.
Match Details: Toss Time & Start Time
- Match: Pakistan vs Namibia, Match 35
- Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Toss Time
⏰ 2:30 PM IST
Match Start Time
⏰ 3:00 PM IST
Pakistan vs Namibia Live Streaming & Telecast
Live Telecast in India
📺 Star Sports Network
Live Streaming in India
📱 JioHotstar app and website
Live Telecast in Pakistan
📺 PTV, PTV Home
Live Streaming in Pakistan
📱 Tamasha, ARY Zapp, Tapmad, Myco
When will the Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on Wednesday, February 18.
What will be the venue for the Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
The Pakistan vs Namibia match will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
What time will the toss for the Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place?
The toss for the Pakistan vs Namibia match will take place at 2:30 PM IST.
What time will the first ball of the Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 be bowled?
The first ball of the Pakistan vs Namibia match will be bowled at 3:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of the Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live telecast of the Pakistan vs Namibia match will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the Pakistan vs Namibia match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live streaming of the Pakistan vs Namibia match will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
