Pakistan vs Namibia Head to Head in T20: Stats & Records

Cricket fans often look forward to clashes between the heavyweights of the game, but there is a unique charm when an established cricketing giant takes on an emerging associate nation. The encounter between the Pakistan Shaheens and the Namibian Eagles is one such example.

While Pakistan boasts a long history of T20 dominance, including a World Cup victory, Namibia has only recently begun to make waves on the international stage. Because of this disparity in experience and ranking, these two teams rarely cross paths outside of major International Cricket Council (ICC) events.

Currently, the Pakistan vs Namibia head to head in T20 record stands at a single match. This solitary encounter took place during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, a game that showcased Pakistan’s clinical efficiency and Namibia’s fighting spirit.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Since their first and only meeting in the shortest format of the game, the statistics are straightforward. Pakistan maintains a 100% win record against the African nation.

Matches Played: 1
Pakistan Won: 1
Namibia Won: 0
No Result/Tie: 0
Last Meeting: November 2, 2021 (Abu Dhabi)

While the sample size is small, the gap in quality between a Test-playing nation and an Associate member was evident, though Namibia certainly had moments where they showed their potential.

Key Match Highlights: The 2021 World Cup Clash

The historic first T20 International between the two sides occurred in Abu Dhabi during the Super 12 stage of the 2021 World Cup. Pakistan entered the match in red-hot form, having already defeated India and New Zealand.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s openers took a cautious approach initially. However, what followed was a batting masterclass. The Pakistani top order accelerated brilliantly in the second half of the innings, smashing the Namibian bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Pakistan posted a formidable total of 189 for 2. This score was significant as it marked Pakistan’s second-highest total in T20 World Cup history at that time.

In response, Namibia showed commendable grit. Rather than crumbling under the pressure of a massive target and a world-class bowling attack, they batted out their full 20 overs. They managed to score 144/5, handing Pakistan a victory by 45 runs. While the result was comprehensive, Namibia’s ability to preserve wickets against the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf earned them respect from the global cricketing community. If you’re exploring the England T20 World Cup squad, do you know who captains the team featuring Harry Brook

Notable Individual Performances

That evening in Abu Dhabi belonged to the Pakistani batters, specifically the dynamic opening duo who have become the backbone of their team’s T20 success.

Mohammad Rizwan: The star of the show, Rizwan played a sensational knock. He remained unbeaten on 79 off 50 balls, accelerating at the death to ensure Pakistan reached an imposing total. His innings included eight fours and four sixes.
Babar Azam: The captain played a classic anchor role, scoring a stylish 70 off 49 balls. His partnership with Rizwan laid the foundation for the late onslaught.
Mohammad Hafeez: The veteran all-rounder provided the finishing touches, blasting a quick-fire 32 not out off just 16 balls.
David Wiese (Namibia): On the Namibian side, all-rounder David Wiese stood tall. A former South African international, Wiese top-scored for his team with 43 not out, proving that Namibia could compete in patches against top-tier bowling.

Future Outlook for Pakistan vs Namibia

The rivalry—if we can call it that yet—is still in its infancy. Given the current structure of international cricket, bilateral series between Pakistan and Namibia are unlikely to happen frequently. Fans will likely have to wait for future ICC tournaments to see these two lock horns again.

However, as Namibia continues to improve its infrastructure and gain more exposure against top-tier teams, future encounters could become more competitive. For now, the Pakistan vs Namibia head to head in T20 remains a testament to Pakistan’s dominance, highlighting a match where they flexed their batting muscles on the world stage.