The Pakistan cricket team has been under immense pressure after the loss against India. They were handed over a 61-run defeat by their arch-rivals last Sunday. There has been lots of news coming out that there might be big changes in the team in the game against Namibia on Wednesday. Senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi might also be benched for this game.
However, Pakistan has been preparing hard for the next game against Namibia, which is a knockout game for the Men in Green. After the loss against India, they have slid down to the third position in the league table with their run rate going into the negative side. In case Namibia upsets Salman Ali Agha’s side, they will be knocked out of the competition for the second consecutive time.
Shadab Khan is confident that Pakistan will qualify for the final
Ahead of the game Pakistan team has been practising intensely, with no stones left unturned. After the practice at SSC Colombo, Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan sent a strong message about the team’s World Cup ambitions. Shadab Khan has also been under the radar for his poor display with the bat and ball. The all-rounder has failed to impress in the competition.
Here’s the video
Retirement Ka Decision Final kr liya ? pic.twitter.com/B8yi9EjyPW
— Anas Saeed (@anussaeed1) February 17, 2026
Shadab Khan was asked by a reporter if Pakistan aims to stay in the tournament until the semi-finals. Shadab Khan replied confidently: “Final, final, In Sha Allah.” All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was also heard saying, “In Sha Allah, we are here till the final.”
Shadab needs to get back to form
Shadab, who was the third-highest scorer for Pakistan with 14 against India, failed with the ball and conceded 17 runs in the one over he bowled. So far in the competition, he has picked up two wickets with a poor average of 27. Despite playing on slow and spin pitches in Sri Lanka, the Pakistani all-rounder has failed to impress.
The all-rounder with the bat has also not been impressive, as he has scored just 52 in three matches. He needs to perform against Namibia ahead of the Super 8s. If failing to do so, his place in the playing XI might be called into question.
Pakistan is moving forward step by step
After the loss against India, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi raised questions about Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan’s poor performances and not taking responsibility in the big games. He wanted the three players to sit out and give a chance to the young players.
Pakistan will go under changes in the game against Namibia, as reports are coming that Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Salman Mirza might be getting a nod in the game. With Sahibzada Farhan, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab Khan could be making their way out of the side.
Pakistan’s only and last T20 World Cup win was back in 2009, in England, where they defeated Sri Lanka in the final by 8 wickets. Since then, they have not won the championship. They played the 2022 final, losing out against England by 5 wickets. They will try to qualify for the Super8s first and then think of winning the championship.
