Colombo : Pakistan became the last team to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after Sahibzada Farhan struck his maiden international century in a crushing 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday.
Farhan finished unbeaten on 100 off 58 balls, reaching the milestone in the final over as Pakistan posted 199 in their must-win Group A clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.
After a cautious start, the opener accelerated to hit 11 fours and four sixes. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 38 while Shadab Khan added an unbeaten 36, including two sixes in the final over.
“Early on the wicket wasn’t that easy to bat on, I told Saim we’ll take some time and I was confident that with time we could set a target,” said Farhan, who was named player of the match.
“The partnership with Shadab was important. The idea was to build a partnership and once it gets going, I would take charge.”
Namibia’s reply faltered despite a brisk 23 from opener Louren Steenkamp, with wickets falling at regular intervals as the required rate climbed.
Shadab returned figures of 3-19, removing captain Gerhard Erasmus and having Alexander Busing-Volschenk stumped for 20. Spinner Usman Tariq wrapped up the innings with career-best figures of 4-16 as Namibia were bowled out for 97, ending their campaign winless at the bottom of the group.
“It was a complete performance,” Salman said. “We started really well, put partnerships on in the middle and then finished well.
“Sahibzada has been outstanding for the last six months. I’m very happy for him. When it comes to bowling, we were lethal and ruthless. We bowled in the right areas.”
All Super Eight qualifiers have also secured automatic qualification for the 2028 edition of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Super Eight teams:
Group A: India, Pakistan
Group B: Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
Group C: West Indies, England
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand
