When the T20 World Cup schedule was announced, Pakistan had to play three games in six days while India and New Zealand had a gap of a week for their two matches. The men in green are now a win away from sealing the Semi-Final spot while the others fight for second place. Babar’s men are up against inspiring Namibia. Here’s the match preview between PAK vs NAM. 

Pakistan is currently sitting comfortably at the top of the table, with three wins out of three. A win over Namibia will be enough for them to qualify for the Semi-finals. They are likely to be the second team to qualify. England will be playing against Sri Lanka on Monday night. Should England win over Sri Lanka tonight, they are through as firsts. Two teams, ENG and PAK, are highly expected by fans to meet up in the big finale. 

It’s amazing how it went for PAK this tournament. Their schedule was somewhat a tight one, playing three games in six days against the best sides. The last two teams have a day of five days in between. It was, at first, looks to be slightly difficult to manage. But the whole team has managed to keep themselves calm in three big and important matches in what has been a fairytale. 

Namibia meanwhile, is also enjoying their first tournament nicely. After a defeat to Sri Lanka in the first game in the First Round, Gerhard Erasmus’ men bounce on three straight wins. They did lose to Afghanistan on Sunday afternoon, but the way they have played their first tournament so far, they will be proud.

This is a mismatch, but still, both teams have a lot to play for. 

PAK vs NAM: What are we expecting?

Expectations are that Pakistan should win this match. But of course, in T20 cricket, you never know what can happen. Other expectations are that Babar could make some changes on his side. Fans want Hasan Ali and Mohammad Hafeez to take a rest in these two games and be replaced by Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Haider Ali. Mohammad Nawaz can come in too, replacing Imad Wasim.  

But it all depends on what the management really want to go; Keep playing the same XI to lead up for knockouts, or give a rest to some players and keep them fresh for the Semi-Finals.

Namibia still has to play three games. And all of those three games are against these three big teams; Pakistan, New Zealand and India. It is a tough asking and a loss on Tuesday means that they are more or less eliminated from the tournament. 

The star has been David Wiese for the team. His batting in the First Round helped NAM qualify for the Super 12s. He and his captain Gerhard Erasmus has been the top batters for their side. The bowlers are all equally impressive. They will try to make it difficult for PAK and may stretch it to an unlikely win.  

PAK vs NAM: Match Details

• Date: Nov 02, 2021
• Timing: 7:00 PM PKT
• Venue: Abu Dhabi
• Weather: As always, there’s no chance of interruption and it’s going to be hot and dry.

Conditions / Pitch Report: 

The conditions have been favourable for spinners but seam bowlers may also enjoy some movement under lights. So far, only two games have seen totals in Sheikh Zayed Stadium defended. It is still expected to be a “win toss, bowl first” decision.

Head to Head:

Matches: 00 | Pakistan: 00 | Namibia: 00 | Tied: 00 | No-Result: 00

Form Guide:

Pakistan: W W W W L  (Completed matches, most recent first)

Namibia: L W W W L

PAK vs NAM: Team News 

1. Pakistan

Chances are that changes will be made. It is a possibility that anyone one or two of Hafeez, Hasan or Imad gets replaced by Haider Ali, Wasim Jnr or Mohammad Nawaz. 

Probable XI:

1. Babar Azam (C), 2. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Mohammad Hafeez/ Haider Ali,  5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim/ Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Hassan Ali/ Mohammad Wasim Jnr, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Shaheen Afridi

2. Namibia

Namibia played two straight games in Super 12s with the same squad. They seem to play with that balanced squad. They could add an additional batsman to the team to strengthen their batting. Otherwise, it’s likely to be the same squad again. 

Probable XI:

1. Craig Williams, 2. Zane Green (wk), 3. Gerhard Erasmus (C), 4. Michael van Lingen, 5. David Wiese, 6. JJ Smit, 7. Jan Frylinck, 8. Pikky Ya France, 9. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, 10. Ruben Trumpelmann, 11. Bernard Scholtz

PAK vs NAM: Players to Watch

1. Asif Ali, Batter (PAK)

Before the games against India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, Asif Ali was still not trusted by many fans. But after the games against the Kiwis and AFG, Asif Ali was praised by everyone, including those from different countries. Against Afghanistan, he did a Brathwaite as he took the bowler Karim Janat to cleaners to win the match. It was tough for him, especially with a dip in form for a long time. But in a space of those three days, Asif has been well respected. If anything, Asif has done justice to his selection. 

2. David Wiese, Bowler (NAM)  

David Wiese has already played a T20 World Cup. He played for South Africa in the 2016 edition. However, he moved to Namibia in 2021 and David Wiese made his debut for NAM in this very tournament. He has been brilliant with the bat, scoring 142 runs and striking at 135. He has been his side’s best player and with three big games left, Wiese may want to do a little more extra to win any one of the three. 

You can also read an additional piece on Wiese here: 

We Need to Talk About David Wiese

3. Mohammad Hafeez, All Rounder (PAK)

It has been tough going for the Hafeez. In the two innings, he has batted so far, he scored only 21 runs. Although his strike rate is over 130. He has picked a solitary wicket but has been very economical, providing that sixth option to keep things tight. Chances are there that he could be rested. However, if he plays, then he must take full advantage over Namibia and Scotland and find his feet again. 

4. Jan Frylinch, Bowler (NAM)

NAM’s successful bowler so far with seven wickets and an economy just above 7. In fact, Namibia’s all three left-arm seam bowlers have been very good in the tournament. The trio of Frylinch, JJ Smit and Ruben Trumpelmann combined have an economy between 6.5 to 7. Under lights, there has been some movement with the ball in the first few overs and given that PAK has five right-hand batters in the top six, the trio can get early wickets. 

Stats and Trivia:

• This will be the first time these two sides will be playing each other in a T20I match
• However, this will be their first meeting after 18 years. They last played in the 2003 World Cup match. 

Quotes:

“When you win games, the confidence level is quite high in the dressing room. Everyone is looking forward to playing the rest of the games we have left in the tournament.”

Shoaib Malik

“We are aware of the challenges. We need to make use of this level. This is a stepping stone for the future.”

Gerhard Erasmus, Namibia captain 

Also read: 

A Week Surrounded by Glory and Controversies for Pakistan Cricket