Sahibzada Farhan became the second Pakistani batter to score a century in a T20 World Cup match on Wednesday, propelling his team to a 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo and securing their place in the Super 8s stage of the tournament.
Farhan’s unbeaten 100 came off 58 balls, punctuated by 11 fours and four sixes, forming the backbone of Pakistan’s total of 199 for 3. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 38 runs, while Shadab Khan remained not out with 36, adding crucial runs in the final overs.
Namibia’s chase faltered quickly, undone by a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack. Usman Tariq, with his unique bowling action, proved particularly effective, claiming 4 wickets for 16 runs. Shadab Khan supported with 3 wickets for 19 runs, as Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat in the competition.
Farhan’s century follows Ahmed Shehzad, who previously scored an unbeaten 111 against Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup. According to reports, Farhan has now turn into the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 220 runs in four innings, averaging 73.33 with a strike rate exceeding 164.
Pakistan’s victory ensures their progression to the Super 8s, while Namibia’s campaign concludes with a series of losses. Pakistan’s next fixture is against England on February 24th in Pallekele.
