Pakistan stormed into the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a massive 102 run win over Namibia in a must win Group A match on Wednesday. A brilliant unbeaten century from Sahibzada Farhan and a four wicket haul from Usman Tariq sealed a one sided victory.
Pakistan post 199 after Farhan ton
Batting first, Pakistan put up a strong total of 199 for 3 in 20 overs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with an unbeaten 100 off 58 balls. He struck 11 fours and four sixes and scored at a strike rate of over 172. This was his first T20I century and only the second hundred by a Pakistan batter in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan did not start very quickly. They lost Saim Ayub for 14 in the sixth over with Jack Brassell taking the wicket. Pakistan were 47 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.
Farhan then took control. In the ninth over, Pakistan scored 22 runs off Willem Myburgh. Salman Agha supported well with 38 off 23 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Shadab Khan also added a quick 36 off 22 balls.
There was a short slowdown when captain Salman Agha and Khawaja Nafay got out in quick time. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus bowled smartly and reduced Pakistan to 118 for 3 in 14 overs. But Farhan stayed calm and carried his bat through the innings to take Pakistan close to the 200 mark.
Namibia bowled out for 97
Chasing 200, Namibia never looked in control. Salman Mirza gave Pakistan an early breakthrough by removing Jan Frylinck. Namibia were 40 for 2 at the end of the powerplay but soon lost more wickets.
Mohammad Nawaz dismissed Louren Steenkamp for 23, and Shadab Khan removed Gerhard Erasmus. Namibia slipped from 40 for 2 to 49 for 4 and could not recover.
Alexander Volschenk made 20 but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Usman Tariq turned the game fully in Pakistan’s favour with two quick wickets in one over. He later finished with 4 for 16. Shadab Khan also impressed with 3 for 19.
Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs, handing Pakistan a big 102 run victory and a place in the Super Eight stage.
