Farhan’s Blazing Ton Powers Pakistan into Super Eight
News Desk
Colombo: Pakistan sealed their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia, powered by a scintillating unbeaten century from Sahibzada Farhan and a ruthless spin attack.
Pakistan posted 199 for 3 before bundling Namibia out for just 97, completing their most comprehensive performance of the tournament at a time when progression was on the line.
Farhan was the undisputed star. His unbeaten 100 from 58 balls — studded with 11 fours and four sixes — not only anchored Pakistan’s innings but also eclipsed Namibia’s entire team total. The opener’s acceleration was breathtaking: after reaching his half-century off 37 balls, he needed just 20 more deliveries to bring up his maiden T20I hundred, the third of this year’s tournament.
Pakistan’s innings, however, did not begin smoothly. The powerplay mirrored their inconsistent campaign, with edgy strokes and fortune playing a role early on. Farhan’s first boundary came via a misfield, and Saim Ayub rode his luck during a scratchy 14 off 12 balls.
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Gradually, the innings gathered rhythm. Farhan found his range against Ruben Trumpelmann before unleashing three towering sixes in an over off Willem Myburgh to shift momentum decisively. From there, the assault was relentless.
Salman Agha provided crucial support with a brisk 38 off 23 balls, helping Pakistan surge to 107 for 1 after 12 overs. Though Agha fell trying to force the pace and Khawaja Nafay had a brief stay, Pakistan maintained control.
A tactical promotion paid dividends as Shadab Khan was sent in at No. 5 ahead of Babar Azam. Shadab’s aggressive cameo ensured Pakistan plundered 78 runs from the final six overs, pushing the total to an imposing 199.
Namibia’s chase required immediate momentum, and they briefly threatened. Louren Steenkamp struck an early six off Faheem Ashraf, while Pakistan’s fielding lapses — including a dropped catch by Mohammad Nawaz — allowed Namibia to reach 32 without loss after four overs.
But the collapse was swift.
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Salman Mirza broke through by bowling Jan Frylinck, and a mix-up in the middle cost Jan Loftie-Eaton his wicket. Nawaz redeemed himself by dismissing Steenkamp for 23, before Shadab removed captain Gerhard Erasmus with a sharp legbreak.
From there, Pakistan’s spinners took over completely.
Nawaz applied pressure with figures of 1 for 22, setting the stage for a devastating spell from Shadab and debutant leg-spinner Usman Tariq. Tariq, introduced in the 12th over, bewildered the lower order with carrom balls and sharp googlies, finishing with career-best figures of 4 for 16. Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz were bowled through the gate, while Willem Myburgh edged a legbreak to complete the rout.
Shadab complemented him with 3 for 19 and contributed in the field as well, while a superb diving catch from Ayub at square leg underlined Pakistan’s rising confidence.
Namibia were eventually dismissed for 97, falling well short of the target as Pakistan’s four-man spin unit sealed a dominant win.
With doubts erased and momentum building at the right time, Pakistan march into the Super Eight with renewed belief — thanks largely to Farhan’s brilliance and a spin attack hitting peak form.
