PAK vs NAM: Sahibzada Farhan’s stunning ton powers Pakistan into Super 8s; spinners seal 102-run rout vs Namibia

Chennai: Pakistan kept their T20 World Cup hopes alive and marched into the Super 8s with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia at the SSC in Colombo, a result orchestrated by opener Sahibzada Farhan’s maiden T20I century and a ruthless spin-led bowling display.

Sent in to bat after captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss, Pakistan were determined to avoid the early-tournament jitters that had dogged them against India and the Netherlands. Farhan, fresh from a subdued outing at the Premadasa, took time to gauge the wicket, reaching 52 for no loss after six overs while striking at a measured 110. The platform laid with fellow opener Saim Ayub (40-run stand) was consolidated through a 67-run third-wicket alliance with Agha, before Farhan and Shadab Khan bludgeoned 81 from the last 40 balls to propel the 2009 champions to 199 for 3.

The acceleration began in the ninth over when leg-spinner Willem Myburgh was taken for 22, Agha starting the carnage with a straight six and Farhan following with two more maximums. Namibia’s seamers, operating in the mid-120s kph and missing their lengths regularly, were punished as Farhan unfurled an array of lofted drives and wristy flicks to bring up his century off the final ball of the innings.

A target of 200 always looked out of Namibia’s reach on a surface offering purchase for the slow bowlers, and so it proved. Shadab Khan, eager to atone for a quiet outing against India, struck twice in the powerplay and finished with 3 for 19, while mystery spinner Usman Tariq weaved his web to claim a career-best 4 for 16 as Namibia folded for 97 in 17.3 overs. Only Jan-Izak Steenkamp offered resistance with 23 as Pakistan wrapped up their largest margin of victory in the tournament and booked a place in the next round.

The win not only banished thoughts of an early exit but also underlined Pakistan’s depth: a top-order anchor capable of shifting gears and a spin trio capable of defending any total on helpful pitches.