Colombo: A brilliant century by Sahibzada Farhan and a disciplined bowling display propelled Pakistan to a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia national cricket team in a crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground on Wednesday, securing the Green Shirts’ place in the Super Eight stage.
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Chasing a daunting 200-run target, Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs.
Namibia began steadily, with Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck putting on 32 runs for the opening wicket. However, Pakistan’s bowlers quickly tightened their grip. Frylinck fell for nine, and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton was run out for five, reducing Namibia to 39-2 in the powerplay.
Steenkamp top-scored with 23 before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz, while captain Gerhard Erasmus managed only seven before falling to Shadab Khan. Alexander Busing-Volschenk attempted to rebuild with 20, but Shadab struck again to leave Namibia struggling at 79-5.
Usman Tariq dismantled the lower order with an impressive spell, finishing with 4/16 in 3.3 overs. Shadab Khan claimed three wickets, while Salman Mirza and Nawaz picked up one apiece to complete a dominant bowling performance.
Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable 199-4 after opting to bat first. Openers Saim Ayub and Farhan provided a brisk 40-run start before Ayub was dismissed for 14.
Captain Salman Ali Agha joined Farhan in a crucial 67-run stand for the second wicket. Agha scored 38 off 23 balls before departing, but Farhan continued to anchor the innings.
Displaying exceptional composure and attacking flair, Farhan brought up his maiden T20 World Cup century, becoming only the second Pakistani batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a hundred in a T20 World Cup.
Farhan remained unbeaten on 100 off 58 balls, smashing 11 fours and four sixes. Shadab Khan contributed a quickfire 36 off 22 deliveries as Pakistan surged past the 190-run mark.
The comprehensive victory ensures Pakistan’s qualification for the Super Eight stage, significantly boosting their campaign momentum in the tournament.
