Pakistan had no trouble in qualifying for the Super Eight at the T20 World Cup after thrashing Namibia
Sahibzada Farhan cracked a brilliant century as Pakistan cruised into the Super Eight at the T20 World Cup with a 102-run win over Namibia.
The pressure was on Salman Agha’s side, with Sunday’s crushing defeat to India meaning they had to win in Colombo to avoid an early exit.
And they delivered with Farhan’s unbeaten 100 not out the foundation for a solid total of 199 for three. Namibia never really threatened the target in a feeble run chase that stumbled along to 97 all out from 17.3 overs.
The result means Pakistan finish second in Group A behind India.
Farhan was the central figure, setting a reassuring tone in the early stages before accelerating rapidly with his second 50 coming off just 20 balls.
He received strong support from Agha (38) and Shadab Khan (36 not out) – the latter promoted up to number five ahead of Babar Azam – as Namibia’s early enthusiasm petered out.
Shadab and Tariq keep reins on Namibia
The momentum remained with Pakistan when Namibia batted. Once they had broken an opening partnership of 32 between Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck it was plain sailing with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Only Steenkamp and Alexander Busing-Volschenk (20) made double figures with Shadab (three for 19) and Usman Tariq (four for 16) keeping Namibia in check.
Ultimately, Farhan’s partnership of 81 with Shadab, achieved in 6.4 overs, proved decisive.
Player of the match Farhan said: “It was very important. We had lost a couple of wickets in succession, so the idea was to build a partnership. I conveyed it to Shadab … and I believe that partnership proved really good for the team.”
Pakistan’s win meant the United States were eliminated. They now go forward to a Super Eight group that also includes England, co-hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
