Pakistan secured their spot in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia on February 18, 2026. This win marked their strongest performance of the tournament, especially after a tough loss to India earlier.
The team, nicknamed the “Men in Green,” demonstrated excellent skill at the Sinhalese Sports Club, dominating every aspect of the game to earn the last available spot in the next round. Led by Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a record-breaking century, Pakistan set a robust total of 199/3. Their bowling attack then limited Namibia to just 97 runs. This impressive win not only eliminated the USA from the tournament but also boosted the confidence of the Pakistani team.
Sahibzada Farhan’s century and Shadab Khan’s late surge light up Colombo
The Sinhalese Sports Club showcased outstanding T20 batting as Sahibzada Farhan became the second Pakistani to score a century in a T20 World Cup, finishing with an unbeaten 101 off 61 balls. After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat, and Farhan led the innings with a mix of precision and aggression, reaching his century in the last over.
After a cautious start following Saim Ayub’s dismissal, Farhan found support from captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored 38 runs to stabilize the innings. Although debutant Khawaja Nafay was out for 5, Farhan struck up an explosive partnership of 81 runs with Shadab Khan. Shadab played aggressively as well, scoring 36 runs off just 22 balls, which included three sixes that shifted the match’s momentum in the final overs.
Farhan particularly targeted the Namibian seamers, hitting 22 runs in one over from Willem Myburgh while displaying a wide range of shots. His hundred included 11 fours and 4 sixes, forming the core of Pakistan’s total. By the end of the innings, the Namibian bowlers appeared overwhelmed, having conceded 65 runs in the final overs. As the innings concluded with 199 runs, it seemed clear that Namibia would struggle to chase this target.
Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan lead a strong bowling attack to win
Chasing a target of 200, Pakistan’s bowlers executed their best performance of the tournament, bowling Namibia out for just 97 runs in 17.3 overs. The chase started with a brief effort from Louren Steenkamp, but the Pakistani pace attack, featuring Salman Mirza and missing Shaheen Afridi, quickly took control.
The standout performer was mystery spinner Usman Tariq, whose unusual action left the Namibian middle order struggling. Tariq secured impressive figures of 4/15, continuously troubling the batters. Shadab Khan also shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs, including the crucial scalp of Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus, who was caught attempting a late cut.
The pressure remained high, as Pakistan’s fielders were sharp, executing an important run-out that left Namibia at 40/2 early on. As Namibia faced an increasing required run rate, they stood no chance against the spin pair, with Tariq finishing off the tail in a fast-paced final spell. The 102-run win ensured Pakistan’s progression to the next round while also giving them the highest Net Run Rate in Group A, positioning them as serious contenders in the Super 8 matches.
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