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In a high-stakes encounter that balanced clinical dominance on the field with visible friction in the dugout, Pakistan secured their spot in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. The 35th match of Group A, held at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on February 18, 2026, saw the Pakistan team defeat Namibia by a massive 102 runs.
Despite the comprehensive victory, the headline from the night was not just Sahibzada Farhan’s magnificent maiden T20I century, but a sharp, heated exchange between Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Ali Agha that has since gone viral.
Mike Hesson and Salman Agha engage in a heated argument during crucial PAK vs NAM clash
The tension within the Pakistani camp reached a boiling point during the first innings. After a solid 67-run partnership with Farhan, Agha was dismissed for a brisk 38 off 23 balls. As the captain returned to the dugout, television cameras captured an incredibly animated discussion between him and head coach Hesson.
Hesson appeared to be critiquing Agha’s shot selection or the team’s tactical approach during the middle overs. The exchange quickly turned sour; Agha, visibly displeased with the feedback, was seen gesturing aggressively before slamming a water bottle onto the ground in frustration. The outburst left Hesson momentarily stunned, though the veteran coach continued to speak as Agha dismissively nodded along.
Interestingly, former captain Babar Azam was caught directly in the crossfire. Seated between the warring coach and captain, Babar remained a mute spectator, looking noticeably awkward and refusing to interject as the drama unfolded. This internal friction comes on the heels of Pakistan’s bruising 61-run loss to India just days prior, suggesting that the pressure of the tournament is weighing heavily on the leadership.
Here’s the video:
When Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was told Babar Azam is the next player to bat in pic.twitter.com/IU3DrPtoJp
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) February 18, 2026
Pakistan set to face a tough Super Eight challenge
Despite the internal discord, the 102-run victory against Namibia served its primary purpose: qualification. Pakistan finished the group stage as the final team to book their place in the Super Eight, joining the elite ranks after a “must-win” scenario. However, the path forward is anything but easy.
Pakistan have been placed in Group 2 of the Super Eight stage, alongside New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. With all Group 2 matches scheduled to remain in Sri Lanka, utilizing venues in Colombo and Kandy, the team will benefit from familiar conditions. However, the level of competition will rise exponentially.
The Men in Green kick off their Super Eight campaign against New Zealand in Colombo. While the win over Namibia provided a mathematical lifeline, the upcoming fixtures will test whether this team can stay united under the intense heat of a World Cup pursuit.
Also READ: Explained: Which teams will Pakistan face in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026?
