Pakistan vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026: Pitch Report, Weather, Playing XI & Live Streaming
Pakistan face Namibia in their final Group A game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 today at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. This is a straight do-or-die match for Pakistan — win and they are through to the Super 8s, lose and they are done. Namibia are already out but will want to finish the tournament with pride.
Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Namibia, Match 35, Group A |
| Date | Wednesday, 18 February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM Local / 9:30 AM GMT |
| Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
Colombo Weather Forecast
The good news for Pakistan fans is that rain is not expected to cause any major disruption. Colombo will see cloudy conditions during the afternoon but no significant rain threat at the 3 PM local start time.
- Temperature: 24 to 28 degrees Celsius
- Humidity: Around 80 percent
- Wind Speed: 10 to 15 km per hour
- Rain Risk: Low — match expected to go ahead without interruption
Overcast skies could actually help new-ball bowlers get some early swing, which makes the toss and powerplay overs even more important today.
SSC Colombo Pitch Report
The SSC pitch is traditionally a batter-friendly surface with a flat top and consistent bounce. However, conditions can shift as the game progresses.
- First innings: Flat and true — batters should look to go big early
- Powerplay: Overcast skies may offer swing to pace bowlers
- Middle overs: Spinners will come into play as the surface grips
- Death overs: Cutters and change of pace could be effective for pacers
Pakistan’s spinners — Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq — could be the difference makers if the pitch starts turning. Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz is a left-arm spinner who can also exploit similar conditions, so the toss will matter.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan Probable XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Namibia Probable 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
Full Squad List
| Team | Squad |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Khawaja Nafay |
| Namibia | Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Alexander Volschenk, Jack Brassell, Jan Balt |
Check full squad details and player profiles on the T20 World Cup 2026 teams page.
Pakistan’s Qualification Scenario
Pakistan enter this match after a 61-run hammering by India. That result hurt their net run rate badly. A win today is the minimum requirement — but the margin of victory could also matter if USA’s result affects the final Super 8 standings. Check live standings on the 2026 T20 WC points table throughout the day.
Pakistan need to:
- Win the match — no other result works
- Win by a big margin to improve their net run rate
- Hope USA do not produce a shock result in their own final game
Key Player Battles to Watch
Fakhar Zaman vs Ruben Trumpelmann
If Fakhar Zaman comes in as a replacement for Babar Azam, the opening battle against Trumpelmann becomes fascinating. Trumpelmann is Namibia’s most dangerous new-ball bowler and he swings the ball both ways. Fakhar loves to attack early — this battle could set the tone for the entire innings.
Shadab Khan vs Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
Loftie-Eaton has been Namibia’s standout batter all tournament. He loves to attack spin and plays it well. Shadab will need to be at his very best to keep him quiet in the middle overs.
Naseem Shah vs Namibia Top Order
If Naseem Shah returns to the XI, he becomes Pakistan’s biggest powerplay weapon. The Namibia top order has not faced genuine express pace in this tournament and Naseem coming hard at them early could knock them over cheaply.
Live Streaming Details
- India: Star Sports Network (TV) and JioHotstar app (live streaming)
- For all broadcast information and streaming options, visit the live streaming section for your region
FAQs
What time does Pakistan vs Namibia start today?
The match starts at 3:00 PM local Colombo time, which is 9:30 AM GMT on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Will it rain in Colombo during PAK vs NAM?
Weather forecasts show cloudy conditions but no significant rain threat. The match is expected to be played without interruption.
What is the SSC Colombo pitch like for T20s?
The SSC pitch is flat and batter-friendly early on. Spinners tend to get more purchase as the game goes on, and pacers who bowl cutters can be effective in the death overs.
Does Pakistan qualify if they beat Namibia?
Yes. A Pakistan win today confirms their place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, regardless of other results.
Where can I watch PAK vs NAM live in India?
In India, the match is live on Star Sports Network on TV and on the JioHotstar app with an active subscription.
What happens if Pakistan lose to Namibia?
Pakistan would be eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2026 at the group stage, making it one of the most embarrassing exits in their World Cup history.
