Brief scores: PAK (199/3 in 20 ov) beat Namibia (97-all out in 17.3 ov) by 102 runs in Colombo in a Group A match.
PAK vs NAM T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Pakistan have bounced back strongly from their defeat to India to secure a place in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026. On Wednesday, February 18, Sahibzada Farhan registered his maiden T20I century as Pakistan defeated Namibia by 102 runs in their final Group A fixture at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Following the heavy 61-run loss to India, which saw Pakistan slip to third place in the standings, they entered the Namibia clash in a must-win situation. The defeat marked Pakistan’s biggest T20I loss to India and dealt a significant blow to their campaign. However, against Namibia, Pakistan ensured there would be no repeat of 2024, when they failed to progress to the second round.
The United States of America (USA), who had edged Pakistan out in the second round in 2024, were unable to qualify for the Super 8 this time. For the USA to advance, Namibia needed to defeat Pakistan in this crucial encounter, but that scenario did not materialise.
FARHAN MAKES AMENDS
Sahibzada Farhan has been among Pakistan’s most consistent batters over the past one and a half years. However, he came under pressure after registering a four-ball duck against India, with Hardik Pandya dismissing him cheaply. On Wednesday, Farhan responded in emphatic fashion, showing clear intent as he brought up a magnificent century off just 57 balls.
The right-handed opener carried his bat through the innings, and his knock, laced with 11 fours and four sixes, powered Pakistan to an imposing 199 for six. In doing so, Farhan became only the second Pakistani batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a Men’s T20 World Cup century.
He set the tone early in the powerplay, forging a 40-run opening stand with Saim Ayub, who contributed 14 off 12 deliveries. Farhan then found solid support in Salman Agha, as the duo added 67 runs for the second wicket. Salman, who had fallen cheaply against India, made amends with a brisk 23-ball 38 before Jack Brassell accounted for his wicket.
Khawaja Nafay, drafted into the playing XI in place of Abrar Ahmed, failed to make an impact, managing just five runs. Shadab Khan, however, provided the late impetus Pakistan needed, smashing 36 off 22 balls to push the total close to the 200-run mark.
Interestingly, Babar Azam, who had batted at No. 4 in the first three matches, did not get an opportunity to bat, prompting further discussion about his role in the side. For Namibia, Brassell claimed two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 48 runs in his spell.
SHADAB, SPINNERS STIFLE NAMIBIA
Pakistan did not get off to the smoothest of starts after Mohammad Nawaz put down a chance offered by Jan Frylinck, who is more than capable of punishing opponents with his powerful stroke play. However, from that point onward, Pakistan tightened their grip on the contest. Salman Mirza, drafted into the playing XI in place of Shaheen Shah Afridi, made an immediate impact by drawing first blood and dismissing Frylinck.
Thereafter, wickets began to tumble in clusters. At the end of the powerplay, Namibia were 40 for two and still harboured faint hopes of mounting a comeback. However, Pakistan’s spinners ensured that those hopes were short-lived, striking at regular intervals to keep the Namibian batters under constant pressure.
Shadab Khan, who had endured a difficult outing against India by conceding 17 runs in his only over, bounced back impressively. He returned figures of three for 19 in four overs at an economy rate of 4.75, providing much-needed control and breakthroughs.
Usman Tariq also proved too hot to handle for Namibia. The mystery spinner had been economical but relatively wicketless against India; this time, however, he bamboozled the batters with his variations and accuracy.
Tariq finished with outstanding figures of 3.3-1-16-4, registering his best returns in T20Is. Riding on the spinners’ dominant performance, Pakistan bowled Namibia out for 97 in 17.3 overs, securing a comprehensive victory and a significant confidence boost after the setback against India.
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