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Sahibzada, Tariq propel Pakistan into Super Eights with big win

COLOMBO: Sahibzada Farhan’s maiden T20I century and clinical bowling powered Pakistan to a big 102-run win over Namibia in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 must-win clash on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Set a daunting target, Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs.

Namibia’s openers started steadily in the chase, adding 32 in 4.1 overs. However, Salman Mirza’s first breakthrough stalled the Eagles’ chase.

After losing the first wicket, Namibia never came back in the game as Pakistan bowlers tightened the screws with regular wickets.

As a result, Namibia were reduced to 49-4 in 7.3 overs.

JJ Smit and Alexander Busing-Volschenk tried to arrest the slide with a 30-run partnership. The pair managed to bring the total to 79 in 12.3 overs.

But it was Usman Tariq’s mystery and Shadab Khan’s sharp leg spin bowling that quickly unraveled Namibia’s innings.

Louren Steenkamp top-scored with 23 off 22 balls with the aid of three fours and a six.

For Pakistan, Usman Tariq stood out among the bowlers, picking up a four-wicket haul. Shadab Khan supported him well with his three wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable 199-3 against Namibia in their 20 overs.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan made a brisk start as Farhan and Saim Ayub stitched together a quickfire 40-run opening stand in just over five overs.

The partnership ended when Jack Brassell dismissed Ayub for 14 off 12 balls, an innings that included two boundaries.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha then joined Farhan at the crease, and the pair built a steady 67-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding Pakistan past the 100-run mark and laying the foundation for a big total.

Brassell struck again to remove Agha for a well-made 38 off 23 balls, leaving Pakistan at 107-2 in 12.1 overs.

Youngster Khawaja Nafay was promoted to number four but could only manage five runs before falling to Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus.

Sahibzada Farhan, however, continued to dominate. Joined by Shadab Khan, the duo added an unbeaten 81-run stand for the fourth wicket to propel Pakistan to an imposing total.

Shadab, after a cautious start, accelerated to finish on 36 off 22 balls, striking one four and three sixes.

The night, though, belonged to Farhan. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 100 from 58 deliveries, hammering 11 fours and four sixes in a commanding display of strokeplay.

With this milestone, he became only the second Pakistani batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a century in a Men’s T20 World Cup.

READ: South Africa cruise past UAE to seal perfect group-stage run

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan win toss against Namibia

COLOMBO: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first against Namibia in the crucial Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

Namibia: Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Alexander Busing-Volschenk, JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell

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HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Namibia have faced each other only once during the 2021 edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Green Shirts registered a thumping victory in the solitary clash between the two sides.

Pakistan head into the contest under pressure following a heavy defeat to arch-rivals India earlier in the tournament. The 2009 champions currently sit third in Group A with two wins and one loss, holding a net run rate of -0.403.

A victory over Namibia would take Pakistan to six points and secure their passage into the Super Eight stage with a second-place finish in the group.

READ: Free entry announced for Pakistan-Namibia clash in Colombo

Free entry announced for Pakistan-Namibia clash in Colombo

COLOMBO: Fans will be able to watch the crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture between Pakistan and Namibia free of charge after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) opened the gates for spectators at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Wednesday.

In an official statement, SLC confirmed that gates number five and seven at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground will be opened to the public from 1:00 PM local time, two hours before the scheduled start of play at 3:00 PM.

The board invited fans to witness the contest without purchasing tickets, making it the final World Cup match at the venue accessible “free-of-charge.”

According to SLC, the upcoming game will be the fifth and last fixture of the tournament hosted at the SSC, which has already marked two milestones during the event, staging the opening match of the competition and hosting its first-ever international game under lights.

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However, the weather could play a decisive role in the outcome. Forecasts indicate nearly a 60 per cent chance of showers, with thunderstorms already affecting the region.

The temperature is hovering around 29°C (RealFeel 30°C), while northern winds are blowing at 19 km/h with stronger gusts.

The match holds significant importance for Pakistan, who must win to secure qualification for the Super Eight stage by finishing second in Group A with six points.

Even in the event of a washout, Pakistan would still progress. A shared point would take their tally to five, keeping them ahead of the United States, who currently sit second with four points.

READ: Pakistan’s likely Playing XI for must-win Namibia clash

Pakistan’s likely Playing XI for must-win Namibia clash

COLOMBO: Pakistan are expected to ring in a few tactical changes in their Playing XI for their crucial Group A encounter against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Wednesday.

With qualification for the Super Eight stage on the line, team management is weighing conditions and combinations carefully, though sources have dismissed rumours surrounding the exclusion of opener Sahibzada Farhan.

The right-hander is set to retain his place in the XI. However, if Pakistan opt to open with Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, Farhan is likely to slot in at number four.

Conditions at the venue are also expected to influence selection. With a visible grass covering on the pitch, Pakistan are likely to favour pace over spin, which could see fast bowler Salman Mirza replace spinner Abrar Ahmed in the playing XI.

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Meanwhile, young batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay is tipped to come in for all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

A victory over Namibia would take Pakistan to six points and secure their passage into the Super Eight stage with a second-place finish in the group.

Likely Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

READ: Nepal sign off T20 World Cup with win over Scotland

Colombo weather update ahead of Pakistan-Namibia clash

COLOMBO: Uncertain weather conditions could play a decisive role when Pakistan take on Namibia in a must-win clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Wednesday.

According to the weather forecast, cloud cover is expected to dominate throughout the day, while the likelihood of rain could rise to 50–60 percent, potentially disrupting play.

The region is currently witnessing thunderstorms, with temperatures hovering around 29°C, feeling closer to 30°C due to high humidity levels.

Strong northern winds are blowing at 19 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 37 km/h.

Humidity remains extremely high at 74 percent, accompanied by dense 100 percent cloud cover that has reduced visibility to just 1.6 kilometres.

Rainfall accumulation has already reached 5.9 mm, while the low cloud ceiling of 600 metres continues to create gloomy, storm-like conditions.

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Weather is expected to improve slightly by late afternoon. Around 4 PM, skies are forecast to remain cloudy but more stable, with temperatures steady at 29°C and a RealFeel of 31°C.

Winds will persist at similar speeds, though gusts could strengthen up to 43 km/h. Humidity is predicted to ease marginally to 69 percent, visibility may improve to around 8 kilometres, and the cloud ceiling is expected to rise to 3,100 metres.

Pakistan enter the contest under pressure following a disappointing defeat to India earlier in the tournament. The 2009 champions are currently placed third in Group A with two wins and one loss, carrying a net run rate of -0.403.

A victory against Namibia would secure Pakistan six points and confirm their progression to the Super Eight stage with a second-place finish in the group.

READ: Usman Tariq defends out-of-form Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi

USA keep T20 World Cup hopes alive with win over Namibia

The United States (USA) kept their slim hopes of qualifying for the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup alive with a 31-run against Namibia in Group A.

Replying to the USA’s 199-4, Namibia finished their 20 overs on 168-6.

For the USA, Sanjay Krishnamurthi hit 68 not out, and captain Monank Patel 52. Namibia’s top-scorer was Louren Steenkamp with 58.

It leaves the USA on four points after their four group A matches, level with India and Pakistan who clash later Sunday.

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Now the USA must wait for the outcomes of the final group games and hope the result goes their way.

Pakistan play Namibia in Colombo and India play the Netherlands in Ahmedabad, with both matches on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

USA: Monank Patel (c/wk), Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ehsan Adil and Saurabh Netravalkar.

Namibia: Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz and Max Heingo.

READ: T20 World Cup: India-Pakistan captains skip handshake at toss

T20 World Cup: India seal big win ahead of Pakistan showdown

DELHI: Hardik Pandya’s all-round skills came to the fore against Namibia, powering India to a 93-run victory ahead of the Pakistan clash in the 18th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.

Set a daunting 210, Namibia were skittled for 116 in 18.2 overs.

Namibia’s openers started positively with 33 runs in the first 3.4 overs. Jan Frylinck struck three fours and a six in his 22 from 15 balls.

Despite the wicket, the visitors kept batting briskly as Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Louren Steenkamp put on 34 run stand on the second wicket, bringing the score to 67 in 7.1 overs.

Steenkamp top-scored with 29 from 20 balls, hitting two fours.

After his wicket, skipper Gerhard Erasmus came to the crease and struck two sixes before getting caught. He made 18 from 11 balls.

His wicket sparked a collapse as India never allowed Namibia to recover. Consequently, they slumped to 94-6 to all-out from 86-2 in 18.2 overs.

Earlier, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s rapid half-centuries propelled India to a massive total.

Asked to bat first, India racked up 209-9 in their 20 overs.

Sanju Samson, who was brought into the side as ill Abhishek Sharma’s replacement, started briskly with a flurry of boundaries.

The right-hander hit three sixes in his 22 from eight before getting caught in the second over.

After his wicket, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma stabilized the innings with a 79-run partnership on 39 balls.

Ishan, who struck five sixes and six fours in his 61 from 24, played the core aggressor role while Varma played the second fiddle.

The duo brought the team’s score to 104 from 25 in 7.1 overs.

Namibia’s spin bowlers made an impressive comeback in the middle overs, wicket-quick wickets to dent the hosts’ proceedings.

For India, Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets, while Hardik Pandya also chipped in with the ball, taking two wickets.

India will face Pakistan in the high-voltage clash on Sunday, February 15.

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As a result, India were 124-4 in 11.5 overs with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube at the crease.

The pair stitched a vital 81-run partnership off 39 balls, putting their side in a commanding position.

Pandya scored a brisk 52 from 28, including four maximums and four boundaries.

Nambia did well in the final two overs as India lost five wickets in the span of eight balls.

For Namibia, Gerhard Erasmus stood out with four wickets to his name in his quota of four overs.

READ: T20 World Cup: Shanaka record-breaking fifty sinks Oman

All-rounder Bas de Leede guides Netherlands to first T20 World Cup 2026 win

DELHI: The Netherlands registered their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to an outstanding all-round display from Bas de Leede.

Chasing Namibia’s 157, the Dutch side reached 159-3 in 18 overs, with de Leede leading the charge.

The 26-year-old top-scored with a fluent 72 off 48 balls, striking five boundaries and four sixes, while Michael Levitt provided brisk support with 28 off 15 deliveries, including three sixes.

Colin Ackermann added 32 off 28 balls, and skipper Scott Edwards remained unbeaten on 18, finishing the chase with a boundary and a six.

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Earlier, Bas de Leede had made an impact with the ball, claiming two key wickets as the Netherlands restricted Namibia to 156-8.

Logan van Beek also picked up two scalps, while Aryan Dutt and Fred Klaassen chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Namibia’s innings was anchored by Jan Loftie-Eaton, who scored 42 off 38 balls with two sixes, and Jan Frylinck, who contributed a vital 30 from 26 deliveries.

This win came after the Netherlands had suffered a defeat against Pakistan in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 fixture.

READ: Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match saves ICC from heavy losses

Namibia announce T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Namibia have named a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

All-rounder Gerhard Erasmus will lead the side in their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.

The African nation squad is largely the same, with nine out of 15 players retained from the 2024 edition.

While Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Louren Steenkamp, JC Balt, WP Myburgh and Max Heingo add fresh depth and options as Namibia look to best their tournament record of reaching the Super 12’s in 2021.

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Namibia booked their spot in the mega event after a stellar display in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier in Harare, remaining unbeaten in Group fixtures, which was followed by a commanding semi-final victory over Tanzania.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on 7 February with the opening fixture to be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

They are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Netherlands and USA.

Namibia will open their campaign against the Netherlands on 10 February in Delhi.

Squad:

Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo. Travelling reserve: Alexander Volschenk.

Namibia’s group fixtures:

February 10: vs Netherlands, Delhi
February 12: vs India, Delhi
February 15: vs USA, Chennai
February 18: vs Pakistan, Colombo

READ: Cummins, Hazlewood likely to miss Pakistan T20I series

Former Pakistan coach joins Namibia men’s team as consultant

WINDHOEK: Cricket Namibia have named former Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten as men’s cricket team consultant ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Kirsten, a former South Africa player, has a wealth of coaching experience under his belt, having previously coached India during their 2011 World Cup triumph, South Africa, and most recently Pakistan.

“Cricket Namibia is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Kirsten as Consultant for the Namibian National Men’s Cricket Teams,” the board wrote in a statement.

Following the announcement, Kirsten expressed his joy at joining Cricket Namibia for the mega event.

“It is indeed a privilege to work with Cricket Namibia,” Kirsten said in a statement from the board.

“I have been thoroughly impressed with the dedication and determination to create a high-performance cricket environment,” he continued.

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He mentioned Namibia’s upgraded cricket facilities while highlighting the men’s team’s performance for the T20 World Cup.

“Their new state-of-the-art cricket stadium is a testament to their commitment to making sure their national teams are competing with the best cricket countries in the world.

Their senior men’s national team is performing well, and I look forward to adding value to their preparation for the T20 World Cup in February next year,” Kirsten remarked.

The 58-year-old Kirsten will work closely with Namibia’s men’s head coach Craig Williams during his consultancy stint.

For the unversed, Namibia has secured qualification for the 20-team World Cup after reaching the final of the ICC Africa qualifiers in Harare earlier this year, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the event since 2021.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, running from February 7 to March 8.

Namibia are placed alongside the defending champions India, Pakistan, USA, and the Netherlands in Group A.

T20 World Cup Groups:

Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

READ: Agha opens up on ‘major changes’ ahead of T20 World Cup