ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Namibia vs Pakistan | Match 35 | Group A | Colombo | February 18 | Pre-Match Discussion

[Cricket Warrior]

After a heavy defeat against their arch-rivals, Pakistan now find themselves in a must-win situation against Namibia. With rain forecast for the match, a washout could work in Pakistan’s favour, as a shared point might still keep their Super 8 hopes alive.

However, a defeat against Namibia would make Group A extremely interesting. The USA already hold a superior net run rate compared to Pakistan, which means qualification could slip out of Pakistan’s hands if results do not go their way.

Heading into this crucial encounter, Salman Ali Agha’s side will be desperate to steady the nerves, rediscover their rhythm, and overcome the Namibia challenge. With qualification hanging in the balance, Pakistan must deliver a composed and clinical performance to keep their tournament hopes alive.

 

[pakistani pride]

LOL its Namimbia. This match needs to be used for selecting the right playing 11 for rest of the games. Starting with dropping Babar, SSA and Shadab.

Also we need 2 pacers going forward.

 

[Omer2002]

We already have two pacers but faheem never gets a chance to bowl as it is..today saim was the best bowler and agha even bowled two over. The team is full of unbalance i do agree we need batting which should be up to 9 or even number 10 but not bits and pieces bowlers n batters

 

[pakistani pride]

We already have two pacers but faheem never gets a chance to bowl as it is..today saim was the best bowler and agha even bowled two over. The team is full of unbalance i do agree we need batting which should be up to 9 or even number 10 but not bits and pieces bowlers n batters

We need Salman and Naseem as pacers. Drop SSA and Shadad as bowlers they add 0 value. Its like playing with 9.

 

[hur rizvi]

LOL its Namimbia. This match needs to be used for selecting the right playing 11 for rest of the games. Starting with dropping Babar, SSA and Shadab.

Also we need 2 pacers going forward.

For Namibia game I would want them to drop babar, SSA and Nawaz for nafay, mirza, fakhar

 

[stani_pak]

Although all three need to be dropped (shaheen, shadab, and babar) they wont be or maybe 1 will get dropped but I have a feeling all 3 will play this game, and faheem might be droped for a pacer (mirza or naseem)

However I think Pakistan does not need 5 spinners even when they will play sena teams, I think 3 or 4 spinners max should be enough

Squad should be
Farhan
Saim
Salman
Fakhar
Usman Khan (should also be dropped) very limited player
Nafay
Nawaz
Faheem
Naseem
Mirza
Usman Tariq

For spin Usman Tariq, Nawaz, Ayub, and Salman can be more than enough for this game and even the sena, teams, if another spinner is required, they can drop a pacer

 

[AAli98]

Weather showing raining cats & dogs again if it’s 5 overs per side it’s anyone’s game.

 

[Inswinging Yorker]

I would be hoping Namibia wins so that USA could go through after that cowardly pathetic display by Pakistan. Pakistan were lucky to scrape a win against Netherlands. USA gave a better display than Pakistan.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan should get a big win.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Watch SSA and Babar now feast on Namibia and fans becoming excited again.

 

[Asif321]

Will they still play Babar , Shaheen and Shadab ? Does Agha and Hesson have shame ?

 

[m.shah]

Pakistan should go with this team
Saim
Farhan
Agha
Babar
Nafay
Usman
Fakhar
Nawaz/ Shadab
Faheem
Mirza
Usman
No need to play with 8 bowlers

 

[Bhaijaan]

Don’t be surprised if strange things happen during the match

If Pakistan lose against Namibia USA goes through super 8.Does Trump know about this?

 

[Asif321]

Babar will score 40 of 30 , Shadab will get 3 wickets . And will be told they are match winners they won you an important game vs namibia

 

[Hikaru]

Good luck my brothers, make it to the semis.

 

[shah9425]

Zero interest in this team now

Babar Shaheen Shadab needs to be kicked out

Salman Nafay Fakhar back in team

 

[hamzie]

Mohd Nawaz had reverted back to 1.0 Nawaz. Also been useless

 

[Fast bowler6929]

Good match with an equal team.

zimbo shaheen shadab nawaz faheem salman agha nawaz tu mera match winner abrar nerd all are licking their lips to get their hands on Namibia.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

If they lose they are out. That pressure won't be able to handle even though I think they should win regardless of rain interruption or not.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Pakistan should go with this team
Saim
Farhan
Agha
Babar
Nafay
Usman
Fakhar
Nawaz/ Shadab
Faheem
Mirza
Usman
No need to play with 8 bowlers

no need for 9 Batters Either.

Faheem should nt play if he is nt going to bowl

and dropping top t20 bowler like Abrar after one bad game is harsh call. He can be real effective against Namibia. I woukd drop Faheem and keep Abrar in your line up above

 

[Advaith]

Fakhar for shadab and one genuine fast bowler in place of faheem will do a lot of good to this team ..

 

[RidiculousMan]

The changes that Pakistan will make for this game (if they make), will tell you how serious Pakistan are about their campaign. Or if they want to carry the King and his men.

Only 2 of Faheem, Shadab and Nawaz should play.

Shaheen should be dropped. Salman should be the no. 1 pacer followed by Naseem.

Fakhar and Nafay should be in the XI.

1. Farhan
2. Saim
3. Salman
4. Fakhar
5. Nafay
6. Usman (WK)
7. Nawaz / Shadab / Faheem
8. Faheem / Shadab / Nawaz
9. Mirza
10. Abrar
11. Tariq / Naseem

12. Babar (Specialist Fielder)

 

[RidiculousMan]

Mohd Nawaz had reverted back to 1.0 Nawaz. Also been useless

He has been really good with the ball. Bowled well against Indian lefties.

He just hasn't clicked with the bat yet. But he is a great asset for Pakistan.

 

[Chip32]

We already have two pacers but faheem never gets a chance to bowl as it is..today saim was the best bowler and agha even bowled two over. The team is full of unbalance i do agree we need batting which should be up to 9 or even number 10 but not bits and pieces bowlers n batters

Faheem is garbage. You cannot rely on him as a 2nd pacer in a 2 man attack.

Admittedly I’ve barely followed cricket in the last 6 years, but I’m surprised he’s still around. He literally has zero international cricket worthy skills

 

[G0rmintAunty]

Naqvi just came in and is talking to the players. More pressure on these now

 

[pakistani pride]

Weather showing raining cats & dogs again if it’s 5 overs per side it’s anyone’s game.

This is a practice game for Pak. They need to get their act straight and select the right playing 11. Lets hope there is game and guys who actually deserve to play can get some game time.

 

[Kianig89]

So back to our level , minnow bashing

 

[G0rmintAunty]

So back to our level , minnow bashing

Tbh we don't lose that badly, can't call it bashing.

 

[Devadwal]

Namibia is weakest Minnow in our group , should be easy win for Pakistan.

 

[Asif321]

Namibia is weakest Minnow in our group , should be easy win for Pakistan.

Hopefully Pakistan lose

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Hopefully Pakistan lose

With a heavy heart, I agree for the long term betterment.

 

[Devadwal]

Hopefully Pakistan lose

With a heavy heart, I agree for the long term betterment.

Pakistan will win this match and they will win min 2 match out of 3 in super -8 stages.

They are going to play semifinal . Likh ke le lo , dev ka prediction hai ye

 

[Asif321]

Pakistan will win this match and they will win min 2 match out of 3 in super -8 stages.

They are going to play semifinal . Likh ke le lo , dev ka prediction hai ye

They will lose to lanka and NZ in super 8 for sure if they keep the same team as yesterday

 

[Devadwal]

They will lose to lanka and NZ in super 8 for sure if they keep the same team as yesterday

They will win against Lanka and England. NZ game is 50-50

 

[Asif321]

They will win against Lanka and England. NZ game is 50-50

Lanka easily made them suffer even in meaningless t20 game in lanka

 

[Devadwal]

Lanka easily made them suffer even in meaningless t20 game in lanka

Pakistan spinner are too good for side like Lanka , England or even nz. Semifinal is guarantee

 

[Rana]

Hopefully Pakistan lose

No.

This is a much better team to be out of the first round

They should win and InshaAllah they will play the Semis

 

[Rana]

Babar has to be dropped for Fakhar, not Nafay

Nafay replaces either one of Shadab, Nawaz or Faheem. Take your pick? My pick is Shadab.

Salman Mirza 100% comes in for Shaheen Shah Afridi. This should not even be up for debate!

Naseem Shah will have to come in for one of Abrar or Usman Tariq. You don’t need 1000 spinners when all of them can’t even get a bowl in full quota

 

[Asif321]

No.

This is a much better team to be out of the first round

They should win and InshaAllah they will play the Semis

Will you still say this if Babar , Shadab , Shaheen continue playing ?

 

[CricLegend]

Babar has to be dropped for Fakhar, not Nafay

Nafay replaces either one of Shadab, Nawaz or Faheem. Take your pick? My pick is Shadab.

Salman Mirza 100% comes in for Shaheen Shah Afridi. This should not even be up for debate!

Naseem Shah will have to come in for one of Abrar or Usman Tariq. You don’t need 1000 spinners when all of them can’t even get a bowl in full quota

Babar has to be dropped for Fakhar, not Nafay

Nafay replaces either one of Shadab, Nawaz or Faheem. Take your pick? My pick is Shadab.

Salman Mirza 100% comes in for Shaheen Shah Afridi. This should not even be up for debate!

Naseem Shah will have to come in for one of Abrar or Usman Tariq. You don’t need 1000 spinners when all of them can’t even get a bowl in full quota

I agree to all of the above. Pak are playing way too many bowling allrounders. What for when Saim and Agha bowled in powerplay yesterday game. It shows what poor planning it was when it was decided that Agha was going to open the bowling but still they packed their side with bowling allrounders.

 

[Rana]

Will you still say this if Babar , Shadab , Shaheen continue playing ?

It’s not about me or these individuals

There are plenty of others in this squad who have done everything in their power to make Pakistan somewhat competitive in T20s

Farhan
Saim
Agha
Nafay
Usman Khan
Abrar
Salman Mirza
Usman Tariq
Faheem
Nawaz

I back these boys. They don’t deserve to get knocked out without a proper chance because Ghenta, Shoda and ***** are dragging them down!

 

[Devadwal]

It’s not about me or these individuals

There are plenty of others in this squad who have done everything in their power to make Pakistan somewhat competitive in T20s

Farhan
Saim
Agha
Nafay
Usman Khan
Abrar
Salman Mirza
Usman Tariq
Faheem
Nawaz

I back these boys. They don’t deserve to get knocked out without a proper chance because Ghenta, Shoda and ***** are dragging them down!

Fakhar is Only match winner batsman in pakistan. Uske bina tum semifinal m nahi pahuch sakte.

 

[stani_pak]

Ideally Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab need to be dropped, but will management come to there senses do not think so, I have a funny feeling all 3 will continue to play, even if they drop 1 or 2 that will be a big step forward even if Pakistan get knocked out or go very far in this tourney, Pakistan need to move on from Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab

 

[Kianig89]

If Fakhar plays he should bat at 3 and Agha moves down the order , we don't need fake bravado

 

[G0rmintAunty]

I got 3 extra box seats if anyone wants to join. Tamasha mil ke dekhenge.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Abbas Afridi being replaced by Rana Faheem is most bizzare decison our selectors could make. Our captain is always afraid to give ball to Faheem because he can get tonked for 15 plus any time. not sure same can be said about Abbas

 

[GreenKhan]

If Fakhar plays he should bat at 3 and Agha moves down the order , we don't need fake bravado

Fakhar should open now. It’s a travesty that in the 3 t20 world cups he has played, he’s never opened .
Saim can move down the order to 3.

 

[Human786]

After a heavy defeat against their arch-rivals, Pakistan now find themselves in a must-win situation against Namibia. With rain forecast for the match, a washout could work in Pakistan’s favour, as a shared point might still keep their Super 8 hopes alive.

However, a defeat against Namibia would make Group A extremely interesting. The USA already hold a superior net run rate compared to Pakistan, which means qualification could slip out of Pakistan’s hands if results do not go their way.

Heading into this crucial encounter, Salman Ali Agha’s side will be desperate to steady the nerves, rediscover their rhythm, and overcome the Namibia challenge. With qualification hanging in the balance, Pakistan must deliver a composed and clinical performance to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Pining for a washout against Namibia , are we

 

[deltexas]

Hope Namibia pulls off a miracle here.. Hoping... Will then get US to the Super 8s..

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Can we please kick these jokers Farhan and tulla Agha out please? Babar cannot bat at 4 it is clear. Kick out Shadab too.

1/Saim
2/Babar
3/Fakhar
4/Nafay
5/Usman Khan I don't rate him but he showed heart
6/ M Nawaz
7/ Faheem Ashraf
8/ Shaheen Afridi
9/ Naseem Shah
10/Usman Tariq
11/Salman Mirza

 

[deltexas]

Pining for a washout against Namibia , are we

A washout and Pak goes through.. But if Namibia can pull off a coup here, wow , we will be seeing some scenes !

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Hope Namibia pulls off a miracle here.. Hoping... Will then get US to the Super 8s..

What a joke

 

[deltexas]

What a joke

Yeah , Pak team will become a joke if they lose to Namibia here.. thats the whole point !

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Yeah , Pak team will become a joke if they lose to Namibia here.. thats the whole point !

Indian software engineers will be back home and that loser Netra will be back to his desk job don't worry about it.

 

[LegendAli]

Can we please kick these jokers Farhan and tulla Agha out please? Babar cannot bat at 4 it is clear. Kick out Shadab too.

1/Saim
2/Babar
3/Fakhar
4/Nafay
5/Usman Khan I don't rate him but he showed heart
6/ M Nawaz
7/ Faheem Ashraf
8/ Shaheen Afridi
9/ Naseem Shah
10/Usman Tariq
11/Salman Mirza

You have Shaheen and Babar still in your playing XI, do you honestly think anyone is going to take you seriously?

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

You have Shaheen and Babar still in your playing XI, do you honestly think anyone is going to take you seriously?

We don't have other options in the squad. By all means drop them if you have better but I am sick of minnow basher Farhan and tulla 23 avg 120 SR Agha.

 

[deltexas]

Indian software engineers will be back home and that loser Netra will be back to his desk job don't worry about it.

Pretty good for part timers who have other day jobs compared to so called full time professional cricketers like Babar and co lol ! Oh, the burn !

 

[shah9425]

I hope Namibia sent them packing

So we don't see Babar Shadab Shaheen

All these frauds needs to be gone

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not sure if I understand our fans. One thrashing against India and they are ready to turn on their team. Where were you guys the last 979685675 times Pakistan lost to India? Some fans you guys are. You guys think you have it bad? Imagine being a fan of Wigan Athletic or the Brooklyn Nets.

Also, if you think Pakistan getting eliminated will change anything then you are sorely mistaken. This may come as a shock to you, but here are no great players waiting on the other side. Whether they are better or worse than Shaheen, Shadab, Babar doesn't matter because they won't make the team any better.

Ofcourse alot of these players like Babar and Shaheen deserve to be kicked out regardless but this idea that getting eliminated will somehow be for the betterment of our future is pure delusion.

There is still plenty of cricket left to be played in the tournament. No need to get emotional just because something that everyone knew would happen, happened.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I am all for kicking Babar, Shaheen etc. to the curb, and getting guys like Maaz and whoever's next in, but let the tournament campaign finish before getting the knives out.

 

[Kianig89]

Farhan
Saim
Fakhar
Agha
Usman
Nafay
Nawaz
Faheem
Naseem
Mirza
UTariq
===========
The fascination with bits and pieces stop. Specialist bowlers are req. Saim Nawaz and Faheem to share 8 overs. There is plenty of batting nothing to worry. Despite the hammering we got from India , our tourney is completely on track . Agha as skipper has to take responsibility of playing 11 and be ruthless, play to your strength we are a bat team , 170+ on board and 8/10 times we will win.

 

[imranq]

trap game perfectly setup for a Pakistan meltdown even at the slightest hint of aggression from Namibia

 

[Chuggy]

Farhan
Saim
Fakhar
Agha
Usman
Nafay
Nawaz
Faheem
Naseem
Mirza
UTariq
===========
The fascination with bits and pieces stop. Specialist bowlers are req. Saim Nawaz and Faheem to share 8 overs. There is plenty of batting nothing to worry. Despite the hammering we got from India , our tourney is completely on track . Agha as skipper has to take responsibility of playing 11 and be ruthless, play to your strength we are a bat team , 170+ on board and 8/10 times we will win.

Replace Babar with Nafay, Shaheen with Salman Mirza and rest Faheem or Shadab for Naseem. Go with two fast bowlers that bowl we have enough spinners anyway. Unfortunately Salman can't drop himself only in his position I would bring in Fakhar otherwise both have no place in the squad either

 

[shamaan]

Farhaan
Saim
Agha
Khawaja Naffy
Usman Khan
Fakhar Zaman
Nawaz
Naseem
Abrar
Tahir
Mirza

 

[CricVet]

Those who still believe that this opening pair is the answer from the SELECTED 15, still don't get it.

Fakhar is THE ONLY player in the top order who can hit, albeit with risks, without feeling pressured by the intensity of the game. He NEVER looks intimidated.

I have always maintained: Open with Fakhar and Farhan.

Saim @ THREE
Nafay @4 (Get that Badshah Salamat out)
For a change, bring Rana @ 5


These are the most logical changes and should be the top 5 gun players among the chosen 15.

If I had to play musical chairs with the team, I would have already experimented with Rana@3 even to see what has he got. The clueless coaching/captaincy has destroyed the combination with unnecessary changes. BUT, I DO NOT understand the reason of Rana being in the team so pow down the order. Either utilize him where it matters or include a proper bat or a bowler. That Netherlands cameo is 1 out of a 100 innings he would do against a proper bowling line.

Saim, to me is a better fit in a middle order than upper order. He could be a good 4 to 5 player. He has the ability to play proper cricket shots. Since the situation demands slogging, he has to change his style with all the stupid no look crap.

Captain @ 6 now after failing twice
Usman @ 7

Salman M @8
Naseem @ 9
Abrar and Usam T @10 &11

PS. I know that it is STUPID to keep playing musical chairs with order, but this is exactly where this coach has landed this team - keep playing musical chairs.

 

[Civil]

Get fakhar and nafay in come what may. Somehow if we can get an upset game in super 8 that in itself would be worth celebrating.

 

[Markhor]

I hope we select a more balanced team. 6 spinners is overkill !

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped against Namibia

Pakistan are poised to ring the changes for their final group-stage encounter against Namibia in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with reports suggesting that several senior players could be given a rest, sources told Geo News on Monday.

The crucial fixture is set to take place on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, and a victory is essential for the 2009 champions to secure their place in the Super Eight phase.

However, even a rain-affected result would be enough to see them progress.

According to sources, the team management has grown frustrated with the lacklustre performances of some of the more established names in the side during recent outings.

As a result, discussions are understood to be centring on the possibility of resting key figures such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Namibia clash.

Between two and three alterations to the playing XI are being contemplated, with a growing emphasis on utilising the bench strength to inject fresh energy into the side.

The team management has already begun formulating strategies for the must-win match, though the players have been given a rest day today, according to a team spokesperson.

The speculation over changes follows a disappointing display with both bat and ball against arch-rivals India on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped against Namibia

Management grows frustrated over underperformance of senior players in ongoing campaign

www.geosuper.tv

 

[PakFan2010]

Pakistan shouldn't overreact.

Shaheen and Babar are still premium PSL players.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped against Namibia

Pakistan are poised to ring the changes for their final group-stage encounter against Namibia in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with reports suggesting that several senior players could be given a rest, sources told Geo News on Monday.

The crucial fixture is set to take place on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, and a victory is essential for the 2009 champions to secure their place in the Super Eight phase.

However, even a rain-affected result would be enough to see them progress.

According to sources, the team management has grown frustrated with the lacklustre performances of some of the more established names in the side during recent outings.

As a result, discussions are understood to be centring on the possibility of resting key figures such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Namibia clash.

Between two and three alterations to the playing XI are being contemplated, with a growing emphasis on utilising the bench strength to inject fresh energy into the side.

The team management has already begun formulating strategies for the must-win match, though the players have been given a rest day today, according to a team spokesperson.

The speculation over changes follows a disappointing display with both bat and ball against arch-rivals India on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped against Namibia

Management grows frustrated over underperformance of senior players in ongoing campaign

www.geosuper.tv

Thank god if true. I am so tired of watching them be bums for so long now. Babar literally has not won Pakistan a single T20 match in any ICC or even AC tournaments. I don't think he has a single MOTM awards in these tournaments. A stat padder of the highest order who always chokes when the moment gets too big.

I don't care if Shaheen is injured or not at this point. If he is, great, even more reason to be out. If he's not injured, then it's even more justified to drop him. He's been so utterly mediocre.

Drop them both. Enough is enough. I am so sick of watching these same losers put up zero performances in big matches over and over again.

 

[zahid01]

Pakistan shouldn't overreact.

Shaheen and Babar are still premium PSL players.

Very funny joke

 

[shah9425]

Thank god if true. I am so tired of watching them be bums for so long now. Babar literally has not won Pakistan a single T20 match in any ICC or even AC tournaments. I don't think he has a single MOTM awards in these tournaments. A stat padder of the highest order who always chokes when the moment gets too big.

I don't care if Shaheen is injured or not at this point. If he is, great, even more reason to be out. If he's not injured, then it's even more justified to drop him. He's been so utterly mediocre.

Drop them both. Enough is enough. I am so sick of watching these same losers put up zero performances in big matches over and over again.

Also add Shadab too in it

 

[mon858]

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped against Namibia

Pakistan are poised to ring the changes for their final group-stage encounter against Namibia in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with reports suggesting that several senior players could be given a rest, sources told Geo News on Monday.

The crucial fixture is set to take place on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, and a victory is essential for the 2009 champions to secure their place in the Super Eight phase.

However, even a rain-affected result would be enough to see them progress.

According to sources, the team management has grown frustrated with the lacklustre performances of some of the more established names in the side during recent outings.

As a result, discussions are understood to be centring on the possibility of resting key figures such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Namibia clash.

Between two and three alterations to the playing XI are being contemplated, with a growing emphasis on utilising the bench strength to inject fresh energy into the side.

The team management has already begun formulating strategies for the must-win match, though the players have been given a rest day today, according to a team spokesperson.

The speculation over changes follows a disappointing display with both bat and ball against arch-rivals India on Sunday.

T20 World Cup 2026: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi likely to be dropped against Namibia

Management grows frustrated over underperformance of senior players in ongoing campaign

www.geosuper.tv

They must call it a drop not rest. Why are they immune to being dropped. Was Salman Mirza rested?? Shaheen for sure has to be dropped and so does Babar.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Backing Pakistan team to win the whole thing. It's a pattern.

Pakistan get rid of deadwood mid tournament and then rise.

It's happening right before our very own eyes.

You heard it here first.

 

[prash88]

Backing Pakistan team to win the whole thing. It's a pattern.

Pakistan get rid of deadwood mid tournament and then rise.

It's happening right before our very own eyes.

You heard it here first.

Pakistan don't have batters in any combination to get of their super 8 groups itself. It ll get tougher to bat in later stages especially in Sri Lanka. Need elite batsmanship.