Pakistan Playing XI vs Namibia Playing XI, Match No.35 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan vs Namibia: ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Rivalry Renewed
When Pakistan and Namibia last clashed in 2021, it wasn’t just another cricket match—it was a heated rivalry filled with intense exchanges between players. As they gear up to face each other once again on February 18 at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter.
Pakistan’s Playing XI
Heading into the 35th fixture of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan will be looking to continue their winning streak. The team’s openers, Saim Ayub and Sahabzada Farhan, will aim to provide a strong start, with Farhan being in good touch recently. The middle order, featuring Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf, is power-packed but has struggled with consistency. In the bowling department, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq will look to maintain their solid performance.
Pakistan’s Probable Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahabzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (Capt), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Namibia’s Playing XI
Namibia, on the other hand, will be aiming to upset the odds and secure a victory against the strong Pakistani team. Their openers, Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck, have shown promise in providing solid starts. The middle order, consisting of Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), and Dylan Leicher, will be crucial in building partnerships. In the bowling department, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, and Max Heingo will have the challenging task of containing the potent Pakistani batting lineup.
Namibia’s Probable Playing XI: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo.
Key Matchups
One of the key matchups to watch out for will be between Pakistan’s top-order batsmen and Namibia’s bowlers. While Pakistan will rely on their strong batting lineup to set a challenging target, Namibia will look to their bowlers to make crucial breakthroughs early in the innings.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a test of skill, strategy, and nerves as they battle it out on the cricket field. With pride and points at stake, the Pakistan vs Namibia clash promises to be an exciting contest for fans and players alike.
Predictions and Analysis
As the Pakistan vs Namibia match approaches, cricket fans and analysts are eager to make predictions about the outcome. Pakistan is undoubtedly the favorite, given their strong performance in recent matches and their talented squad. With players like Babar Azam leading the batting lineup and Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheading the bowling attack, Pakistan has a well-rounded team capable of dominating their opponents.
On the other hand, Namibia cannot be underestimated, as they have shown resilience and determination in previous matches. While they may be the underdogs in this matchup, Namibia has the potential to surprise everyone with their performance. Players like Jan Frylinck and Gerhard Erasmus will be key to Namibia’s success, and if they can deliver standout performances, they may be able to challenge Pakistan.
Team Strategies
Both teams will have specific strategies in place for this crucial match. Pakistan will likely focus on setting a high target with their strong batting lineup, aiming to put pressure on Namibia early in the game. They will look to capitalize on their experienced players and aggressive approach to dominate the opposition.
On the other hand, Namibia will need to focus on containing Pakistan’s batsmen and taking early wickets to disrupt their momentum. Their bowlers will play a crucial role in restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities and creating opportunities for breakthroughs. In terms of batting, Namibia will need to build partnerships and ensure that they capitalize on scoring opportunities to stay competitive in the match.
Impact on Tournament Standings
With both teams looking to secure a victory in this match, the outcome will have a significant impact on the standings of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. For Pakistan, a win will solidify their position at the top of the table and boost their confidence as they head into the later stages of the tournament. On the other hand, Namibia will be aiming to climb the rankings and potentially secure a spot in the playoffs with a surprise victory.
As the tournament progresses, every match becomes increasingly important, and teams will be eager to secure wins to improve their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. The Pakistan vs Namibia match will be a crucial one for both teams in their quest to make a mark in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Excitement Builds
With the stage set for an intense battle between Pakistan and Namibia, cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this match. The competitive spirit, skillful play, and unpredictable nature of T20 cricket make this matchup a must-watch for enthusiasts of the sport.
As the players step onto the field and the action unfolds, only time will tell which team will emerge victorious. Whether it’s Pakistan showcasing their dominance or Namibia pulling off an upset, one thing is certain—the Pakistan vs Namibia clash is bound to be a thrilling spectacle filled with excitement and drama.


