After the defeat by India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Pakistan team is in danger of being out of the tournament. Now the match against Namibia on 18 February has become like ‘do or die’ for Pakistan. If the team loses in this match, then its dream of reaching Super-8 may end here. This is the reason why the team management is considering making major changes in the playing eleven before this important match.
Before this match to be played at SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, the discussion regarding Pakistan team combination has intensified. According to reports, the team may drop some of its players and give a chance to new faces, so that balance can be created in both the batting and bowling departments.
The blame may fall on these players
It is believed that players like Sahibzada Farhan, Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf can be dropped from the playing XI in this match. In his place, the team management is considering giving a chance to experienced batsman Fakhar Zaman as well as Khawaja Nafe. In the fast bowling department, either Salman Mirza or Naseem Shah can be included in the playing eleven.
However, Fakhar Zaman’s form remains a matter of concern for the team. Recently, he was not able to perform anything special in the T20 series against Australia. Only 20 runs were scored from his bat in two matches. In the last match against Sri Lanka also he failed to play a big innings.
Change in Babar Azam’s role possible
The role of team captain Babar Azam may also change in this important match against Namibia. There are reports that Babar Azam can be seen opening with Saim Ayub in this match. The team needs a strong start and in such a situation the captain himself can take the responsibility.
For Pakistan, this match is not just a match but the last hope to remain in the tournament. If the team makes the right changes in its combination and performs better on the field, then the path to Super-8 can be opened, but another defeat can directly show them the way out of the tournament. In such a situation, now everyone’s eyes are on this high-voltage competition.
