Farhan Ton sends Pakistan into Super Eight as Namibia are ruled out
Pakistan had no problem qualifying for the T20 World Cup Super Eight after beating Namibia
Sahibzada Farhan passed through a brilliant century while Pakistan launched 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 against India meaning they needed to win in Colombo to avoid an early exit.
And they kept their word with Farhan's unbeaten 100, without getting off base, for a solid total of 199 for three. Namibia never really threatened the target in a weak chase that stumbled to 97 from 17.3 overs.
This result means that Pakistan finishes second in Group A behind India.
Farhan was the central figure, setting a reassuring tone at the start before accelerating quickly with his second fifty off just 20 balls.
He received strong support from Agha (38) and Shadab Khan (36, not out) – the latter promoted to number five ahead of Babar Azam – as Namibia's initial enthusiasm fizzled.
Shadab and Tariq keep the reins of Namibia
The momentum remained with Pakistan when Namibia struck. Once they broke an opening partnership of 32 between Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck, everything went smoothly with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Only Steenkamp and Alexander Busing-Volschenk (20) completed a brace, with Shadab (three for 19) and Usman Tariq (four for 16) keeping Namibia in control.
In the end, Farhan's partnership of 81 with Shadab, made in 6.4 overs, proved decisive.
Player of the match Farhan said: “It was very important. We had lost a few wickets in succession, so the idea was to build a partnership. I passed it on to Shadab… and I think that partnership turned out really good for the team.”
Pakistan's victory meant the elimination of the United States. They now head into a Super Eight group which also includes England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
2026-02-18 15:04:00
