Pakistan Playing XI vs Namibia- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 35- Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi To Be Dropped?

Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

On Wednesday, 18 February, Pakistan will face Namibia in the 35th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. This much-awaited match will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

This game is extremely important for Pakistan because their heavy defeat against India in the previous match badly affected their NRR. As a result, Pakistan now have almost no room for mistakes in their final Group A match.

PAK vs NAM Preview

Talking about the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan side, they are currently placed third in the Group A points table after suffering a big loss to India on Sunday. India defeated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match.

Pakistan opted to bowl first in that match and tried to control India with spin bowling for most of the innings. However, a brilliant innings from Ishan Kishan helped India reach 175/7. 

Later, Indian bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, broke Pakistan’s top order early. After that, Pakistan’s batting collapsed against spin and they were bowled out for just 114 runs in 18 overs while chasing.

After this defeat, Pakistan’s net run rate dropped to –0.403. Even though they have won two out of three matches and have four points, they are still third in Group A. They have the same number of points as the USA, but their weaker NRR has put them in a risky situation.

On the other hand, Namibia have already been knocked out of the T20 World Cup after losing their last three matches. Although they have shown good fighting spirit, they are out of contention now. 

Therefore, this match will be about pride for Namibia as they try to end their campaign on a positive note.

Considering Pakistan’s recent poor performance, especially by senior players, the team management is expected to make some changes in the playing XI for this crucial match.

Openers and top order: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha

Pakistan are likely to keep their opening combination unchanged because the top order has generally shown decent form. Therefore, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are expected to continue as openers.

Saim Ayub has contributed both with the bat and the ball. He has scored 49 runs in three innings and also taken five wickets, showing his all-round value to the team.

Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan has been in good form overall. Although he scored a duck in the last match, he still has 120 runs from three innings at an impressive strike rate of 157.89.

At number three, captain Salman Ali Agha will look to improve his performance. So far, he has had a disappointing tournament, scoring only 17 runs in three innings. Therefore, this match gives him a chance to lead from the front and regain confidence.

Middle order and all rounders: Fakhar Zaman/Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf

At number four, there is a strong possibility that Babar Azam could be dropped for this match. Either Fakhar Zaman or Khawaja Nafay may replace him. The former captain has struggled with form and there have also been reports about him being dropped.

Notably, Babar Azam has scored only 66 runs from three matches at a strike rate of 115.79, which is below expectations for a top-order batter in T20 cricket. Between Fakhar Zaman and Khawaja Nafay, Nafay may have a slight advantage. This is because Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus is a strong off-spinner, so a right-handed batter like Nafay could be a better matchup.

Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan showed good form in the last match against India, scoring 44 runs from 34 balls. He will aim to continue that performance and stabilize the middle order.

All-rounder Shadab Khan has not yet delivered with either bat or ball in this tournament. He has scored 52 runs in three innings and taken only two wickets, which is below his usual standards. Hence, Pakistan will hope he regains form in this crucial game.

In contrast, Mohammad Nawaz has been more effective with the ball, taking three wickets in three matches. He has looked more consistent and will try to improve further in this match.

Focusing on Faheem Ashraf, the bowling all-rounder has been going through a very poor run of form. He has scored only 40 runs in three innings so far, and importantly, Pakistan have hardly used him with the ball in this tournament. 

However, this time the team management may look to give him more opportunities, and things could turn out better for him.

Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

In the bowling department, Pakistan are likely to make at least one change. The team management is expected to continue with spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, but fast bowler Shaheen Afridi may be dropped. Instead, Salman Mirza could be included in the playing XI.

Shaheen Afridi struggled badly against India. He bowled only two overs and conceded 31 runs, taking the wicket of Axar Patel on the final ball of the innings. 

Overall in this tournament, he has bowled nine overs across three matches, conceding 101 runs and taking just three wickets at a high economy rate of 11.22. Therefore, bringing in Salman Mirza could add freshness and control to Pakistan’s bowling attack for this must-win match.

Pakistan Playing XI vs Namibia- Match 35, T20 World Cup 2026: 

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman/Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq