By Hammad Ahmed
Colombo: Pakistan stormed into the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia, powered by a scintillating unbeaten century from Sahibzada Farhan and a clinical spin display.
Pakistan posted 199 for 3 before bundling out Namibia for 97, sealing their most comprehensive win of the tournament.
Farhan’s Blazing Hundred Sets the Tone
Sahibzada Farhan struck a breathtaking 100 not out from 58 balls, anchoring Pakistan’s innings with authority. His knock included 11 fours and four sixes, with his second half-century coming off just 20 deliveries.
Farhan’s unbeaten 100 exceeded Namibia’s entire team total, underlining the gulf between the sides on the day. It was his maiden T20 International century and the third hundred of this year’s tournament — a new record for a single edition.
Pakistan’s innings gained serious momentum in the latter half. Farhan brought up his half-century in 37 balls and accelerated sharply from the 15th over onwards, targeting Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit and Jack Brassell in successive spells of aggressive stroke play.
Salman Agha contributed a brisk 38 off 23 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, helping Pakistan reach 107 for 1 after 12 overs. Though Pakistan slipped briefly to 118 for 3 in the 14th over, the late charge — including a cameo from Shadab Khan — propelled them to 199.
Spin Quartet Dismantles Namibia
Defending a steep target, Pakistan’s spinners ensured there was no upset.
Usman Tariq delivered career-best figures of 4 for 16, bamboozling Namibia’s lower order with carrom balls, googlies and delayed legbreaks. Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz were bowled through the gate, while Willem Myburgh edged to the keeper.
Shadab Khan claimed 3 for 19, playing a central role in the collapse. He also took a sharp catch at midwicket and benefited from a superb diving effort by Saim Ayub at square leg to dismiss Zane Green.
Mohammad Nawaz applied mid-innings pressure with 1 for 22 in four overs, triggering the squeeze that derailed Namibia’s chase.
Namibia were briefly competitive at 32 without loss in the powerplay, with Louren Steenkamp striking 23. However, quick wickets — including Jan Frylinck bowled by Salman Mirza and Jan Loftie-Eaton run out — shifted momentum decisively.
Once captain Gerhard Erasmus fell to Shadab, the chase unraveled swiftly.
Tactical Changes Pay Off
Pakistan made bold decisions ahead of the match, including leaving out Shaheen Afridi after inconsistent performances earlier in the tournament. Faheem Ashraf opened the bowling instead.
The gamble paid off as Pakistan delivered a complete performance — particularly with their spin attack dominating the middle overs.
Qualification Secured
The victory eliminated any remaining mathematical doubts about Pakistan’s progression, keeping USA at bay and confirming their place in the Super Eight stage.
With confidence restored and key players hitting form at the right time, Pakistan now advance with renewed momentum as the tournament intensifies.
