Pakistan vs Namibia, 31st Match, Group 2 at Abu Dhabi, T20 World Cup, Nov 02 2021 - Match Result

9.50pm: Time for the captains, starting with Gerhard Erasmus: "We knew from the start that Pakistan are high quality, they look like title contenders, we knew we'd have to compete hard and I thought we did that for quite a while. We spoke about being better for longer, then resetting and going again. Pakistan were outstanding with their shot selection and their quality showed through the back end of the innings. [Next games] Doesn't get any easier, NZ are quality but we'll take confidence and try to take that game as deep as we can. We'll be looking to get some great exposure for our players, you gain the confidence and it shows we can operate at this level. [Finger injury?] Finger's sore but you have to get through, it's a real milestone for cricket in Namibia."

Pakistan's Babar Azam: "It was a different plan today, wanted that opening partnership to go deep and it worked for us. Two good players in Hafeez and Hasan Ali, they'll be important in the next stage and it was important we ticked those boxes. There was some dew that didn't help with the fielding, but that's not an excuse, we need to be better. Everything has gone according to plan, we're looking forward to the semi-finals and playing our cricket with the same intensity" [thanks Bazid, once again].

Okay. No funny business from Pakistan - they are a serious outfit at this World Cup. Four wins from four and they become the first team to qualify. Sreshth Shah's report will be up shortly, and we'll be back for more with another double-header tomorrow: New Zealand vs Scotland and India vs Afghanistan.Thanks for your comments, from myself, Debayan and Thilak, it's goodnight and good luck. Bye!

9.40pm: Pakistan wanted to test themselves, and they were given a good runout by this game Namibia side. But quality told in the end, Pakistan picking up pace like a boulder going downhill as they crushed 189 from their 20 overs, then the bowlers effectively kept a lid on the chase. They have matched England (and West Indies and Afghanistan before them) in winning batting first during the Super 12s, and move to 8 points in Group 2; who will join them remains a point of intrigue, and Namibia aren't out of it, by any means - they just need to beat New Zealand and India and keep their fingers crossed

Mohammed Rizwan is Player of the Match for his unbeaten 79 from 50 balls. He praises the Namibia bowling and says he had to take the innings deep, as it was difficult to start off (according to Bazid Khan, who is handling the presentation). The plan was to take it deep and get runs at the back end. All the boxes ticked for the tournament, he thinks Pakistan are in with a fighting chance

"Still mathematically they can win, if Shaheen keeps bowling no-balls." Sure, Moin. I mean, he's not bowled any so far today. But you're right, he could overstep 30-40 times

Wiese's not happy with his bat handle, he wants a replacement. This is one way to keep Pakistan waiting...

"Win probability should be at zero now for Namibia." Never say never, Imran Rahi. We have it at 0.01% for a reason

Now, I'm pretty sure even my maths can't save Namibia here. Shaheen Afridi to dot the 't's and cross the 'i's for Pakistan

Rauf loses his footing attempting to run in...

Well, Namibia aren't quite out of it, mathematically: 12 sixes from here and they are home and hosed would still lose by one run. Debayan has fixed my faulty calculation...

Wiese is okay, he'll take guard for Hasan Ali. Namibia need 79 off 18 balls snookers

Nicol Loftie-Eaton is next in