Colombo: Top-order batsman Babar Azam is expected to retain his place in Pakistan’s playing eleven for the crucial final group-stage match of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhala Sports Club on Wednesday.
Sunday R. Pakistan are likely to make some tactical changes following their defeat against arch-rivals India at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf is expected to miss out, giving way to young batsman Khawaja Mohammad Nafai, while Naseem Shah replaces Shaheen Shah Afridi in the pace attack.
There are no indications that Faqar Zaman will feature in the line-up, with opener Sahibzada Farhan expected to retain his place.
Pitch conditions also have an impact on test results. With the turf on the surface, Pakistan preferred pace over spin, which saw fast bowler Salman Mirza coming to off-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan are under pressure after their heavy loss to India.
The 2009 champions are currently third in Group A with two wins and one loss, a net run rate of -0.403.
A win against Namibia, or a wash out, would take Pakistan above the US—currently second in the group with four points and the best net run rate—to advance to the Super Eight stage.
Pakistan’s Playing XI vs Namibia: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (catch), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Mohammad Nafe, Shatab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq.