Colombo

With their backs against the wall, former champions Pakistan will bank on their fragile batting to come good after the jolt against India when they face struggling Namibia in their final Group A league fixture of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup here on Wednesday.

India have already sealed a Super 8s berth following their commanding 61-run win over Pakistan, leaving the second spot up for grabs. The United States currently hold the edge over Pakistan on net run rate.

Both teams are locked on four points, but Pakistan trail with a negative NRR of -0.403, while the USA sit comfortably at 0.788. Pakistan’s equation is simple — beat winless Namibia to stay alive. Any slip-up could force them to depend on complex permutations.

Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s campaign has suddenly entered a tense phase after what was expected to be a smooth progression turned into a battle for survival following the loss to India.

The spotlight will again be on Pakistan’s brittle batting, exposed brutally in Colombo. Senior batter Babar Azam is under pressure after a seven-ball five against India, while openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub will need to show greater application.

Pakistan slumped to 13 for 3 against India after incisive spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, and the middle order failed to offer resistance — a worrying sign even ahead of a clash with Namibia.

Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi also struggled for rhythm, picking up just one wicket and conceding over 31 runs in two overs, including a costly final over that swung momentum India’s way. His early strikes will be crucial against Namibia if Pakistan are to control the contest.

Pakistan’s powerplay woes remain another concern, having managed barely 40 runs while losing four wickets in their previous match. Frequent middle-order reshuffles have further dented confidence about late-innings acceleration.

Namibia, though winless in three matches, have shown flashes of discipline and tactical acumen. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus impressed with a clever spell against India, including a deceptive delivery that foxed Tilak Varma during his excellent 4/20.

Erasmus also accounted for Axar Patel and Pandya, and his duel with Pakistan’s struggling batters could be decisive. Namibia will aim to drag Pakistan into a low-scoring scrap, where pressure could once again take its toll on the 2009 champions.

Left-arm pacer JJ Smit remains a constant threat, while opener Louren Steenkamp has shown promise with two solid knocks, including a half-century. Support from Jan Frylinck and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton has added stability at the top.

With pride on the line for Namibia and survival at stake for Pakistan, the contest promises high tension as the Super 8s race reaches a critical juncture.

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Match starts at 3:00 pm.