Pakistan will meet Namibia in their final group-stage match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, with progression to the Super Eight stage hanging on the result.
Currently, Pakistan sit third in the group standings with two wins, trailing the United States, who occupy second place thanks to a superior net run rate, keeping tournament hopes delicately poised.
A victory is required for the Men in Green to advance outright, but in case of rain washing out the match, they would earn a point, moving to five points above the four points of United States.
Pakistan
Sources indicate that the management is disappointed with the recent performances of senior players and is reportedly considering resting Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for this crucial match.
Sources further indicate that Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza are likely to be included in the playing XI after the experienced left-arm pacer delivered a poor performance against India.
Changes are also expected in the batting department, as the management is keen to bench Babar Azam and include Fakhar Zaman or Khawaja Nafay to strengthen the lineup with a hard-hitter.
Probable playing XI
Saim Ayub, Sahabzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman/Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah/Salman Mirza, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Namibia
Namibia have made two changes to their squad following the previous match against the United States, and may adjust once more for the contest against Pakistan, reflecting concerns over fast bowler Max Heingo’s struggles.
Heingo has failed to take a wicket in four overs across three games while conceding 52 runs, making Jack Brassell the most likely replacement to strengthen Namibia’s bowling attack for the crucial fixture.
Probable playing XI
Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (capt), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wk), Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell
