Key points
- Gates 5 and 7 open at 1pm
- Rain threat looms over crucial fixture
- Pakistan need win to reach Super Eights
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for spectators for the important ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match between Pakistan and Namibia, scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground on Wednesday.
In a statement, the SLC confirmed that fans will be able to watch the match free of charge, with gates number five and seven opening to the public from 1:00 PM local time, two hours before the start of play.
“Gates 5 and 7 of the SSC Grounds, Colombo, will be kept open for the public to enter and witness the Pakistan vs. Namibia match, ‘Free-of-Charge.’ The game will be played tomorrow (18 February),” the SLC said.
“The gates will open at 1:00 PM, and the match will commence at 3:00 PM.”
SLC noted that Wednesday’s fixture will be the fifth and final World Cup match hosted at the SSC Ground during this tournament.
Weather
“Tomorrow’s fixture will be the fifth World Cup match hosted at the SSC and also the final game at the venue for this tournament,” the statement added.
The board also highlighted the venue’s significance, having hosted the tournament’s opening match as well as its first-ever international game played under lights.
However, the match could face interruptions, with forecasts suggesting a 60 per cent chance of rain. Colombo is currently experiencing thunderstorms, with temperatures around 29°C and strong winds.
The fixture is crucial for Pakistan, who must win to secure qualification for the Super Eights. A washout, though, would still see Pakistan progress due to a points split, leaving them ahead of the USA in the standings.
