The last time in 2021, when these two teams were up against each other, it ended in a heated rivalry as cricketers from both the teams exchanged heated words during the match. The stage is set for the rivalry to continue. Namibia have nothing to lose ahead of the match on 18 February. They can try to play their best openly against Pakistan at SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The following article contains a detailed description of the playing XIs between both the teams, Pakistan and Namibia. The 35th match of the ICC T20 World Cup will mark a new rivalry between Pakistan and Namibia. Both the teams will try to win the tournament.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Namibia-ICC T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Saim Ayub, Sahabzada Farhan.
Established opening batsman Sahabzada Farhan has been in good form since the beginning of the tournament. Against Namibia, the in-form side will look to decorate their figures as much as possible. In his early part, Saim Ayub’s struggle with consistency is nothing new. Ayub can be hit or miss in the match.
Middle order: Salman Ali Aga (captain), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf.
The middle order of the team is undoubtedly strong. But his main issue is continuity. They have recorded several wins in the group stage of the tournament, although their performance as a unit has been weak. The Namibian camp must take note of this weakness of the team. Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf could be the most exciting elements in the batting lineup.
Bowling: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
His bowling performance so far has looked more intense than his batting. Shaheen Afridi has performed impressively in the previous matches, while the team’s X-factor is spinner Usman Tariq. The spin combo of Tariq and Abrar Ahmed can cause serious damage to Namibia’s batting.
Pakistan Probable Playing XI: Saeem Ayub, Sahabzada Farhan, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Namibia Playing XI vs Pakistan – T20 World Cup 2026:
Openers: Lauren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck.
There is no doubt that both these opening batsmen have given good starts in many matches. Both these batsmen have the ability to create a strong base even against experienced bowlers. He can handle the situation with composure against bowlers like Shaheen Afridi.
Middle order: John Nicol Lofty-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (captain), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leichter.
Despite a long tail batting line-up, Namibia failed to maintain the momentum in many games. Jane Nicole Lofty-Eaton’s experience could help her against the Men in Green. Captain Gerhard Erasmus can also perform well against the spinners in the middle.
Bowlers: Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myberg, Bernard Scholtz, Max Hengo.
Ruben Trumpelmann is arguably their most exciting bowler. He will be in charge of achieving some early successes in the upcoming match. With limited resources in the bowling department, Namibia’s bowlers may face a tough day against a star-studded opposition. In their previous T20 World Cup 2026 games, some of their bowlers had proved very expensive. The Namibian captain should revamp his bowling strategy to prevent Pakistani batsmen from setting a big target.
Namibia Probable Playing XI: Lauren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicole Lofty-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leichter, Ruben Trumpelman, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Hengo.
read more: When was the last time India vs Pakistan World Cup match was played without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma?
