The Pakistan cricket team will play high-stakes encounter against Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, February 18, at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Following a crushing defeat against India, Salman Ali Agha‘s men are in a ‘must-win’ situation to secure their spot in the Super 8s, as a loss would likely see them exit the tournament in favour of the USA.
Rain threat looms over Pakistan vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 clash?
The much-anticipated afternoon encounter faces a potential disruption from the weather, as the unsettled ‘tropical twist’ over the Bay of Bengal continues to linger over Sri Lanka. While the SSC has hosted competitive games so far, the atmospheric pressure remains low, and ground staff are on high alert for sudden showers.
Historically, Pakistan have met Namibia only once in T20Is (during the 2021 World Cup), winning that fixture comfortably. However, a washout would be a nightmare for the former champions; sharing a single point would leave their qualification entirely dependent on other results, potentially ending their campaign prematurely. Fans will be closely watching the Colombo sky, hoping for clear conditions for this critical Match 35.
PAK vs NAM: Weather forecast for the T20 World Cup 2026 match
As the teams prepare for the 3:00 PM local start, the forecast suggests a significant risk of afternoon interruptions. The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology indicates that thundershowers are likely to develop across the Western Province. Daytime conditions in Colombo are expected to be hot and stiflingly humid, with temperatures peaking at31°C. Unlike evening games, this afternoon fixture sits right in the window for tropical heat-induced thunderstorms. With no reserve day for group-stage fixtures, both sides will be praying the rain stays away long enough to complete at least five overs per side to constitute a result.
Colombo Hourly Forecast (Match Day: Feb 18, 2026)
The afternoon is characterized by high humidity and a strong likelihood of rain during the first half of the match, according to AccuWeather.
Match Day Hourly Weather Forecast
| Time | Temp | Real Feel | Rain % | Condition | Wind / Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | 27°C | 31°C | 20% | Cloudy | NE 11 km/h |
| 11:00 AM | 28°C | 33°C | 20% | Cloudy | NE 11 km/h |
| 12:00 PM | 29°C | 34°C | 25% | Cloudy | NNE 11 km/h |
| 01:00 PM | 30°C | 34°C | 52% | Thunderstorms | NNE 13 km/h |
| 02:00 PM | 29°C | 32°C | 60% | Thunderstorms | NNE 13 km/h |
| 03:00 PM (Start) | 28°C | 31°C | 49% | Cloudy / Showers | NNE 13 km/h |
| 04:00 PM | 28°C | 32°C | 18% | Cloudy | NNE 15 km/h |
| 05:00 PM | 28°C | 31°C | 18% | Cloudy | NE 15 / 28 km/h |
| 06:00 PM | 28°C | 29°C | 23% | Cloudy | NE 15 / 28 km/h |
| 07:00 PM | 27°C | 30°C | 49% | Cloudy | NE 13 / 30 km/h |
Key Weather Factors for the Match
- Pre-Match Thundershowers (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): A 60% chance of thunderstorms right before the toss indicates a high probability of a delayed start and a wet outfield.
- Match Window Clearing: Fortunately, the rain probability drops to 18% between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, suggesting that even if the start is delayed, a shortened game is very likely.
- Extremely Humid Conditions: Humidity is expected to hit 80% by the evening. This “stagnant tropical air” will make the 28°C temperature feel much hotter, testing the fitness of both squads.
- Air Quality Warning: The air quality is currently rated as Poor, which could be a factor for the players during the high-intensity afternoon periods.
Source: AccuWeather Hourly Forecast for Colombo, Sri Lanka (February 18, 2026).
