LAHORE: Opener Sahibzada Farhan became only the second Pakistan batter to score a century in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as the 2009 champions defeated Namibia by 102 runs to qualify for the Super Eight Stage of the 2026 edition.

Farhan returned unconquered on 100 as Pakistan posted 199 for three after electing to bat first at the SSC in Colombo. Captaincy became easy afterwards as Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza bowled the first four overs before the spinners sprang into action to bowl Namibia out for 97 in 17.3 overs.

In the Super Eight Stage, Pakistan will take on New Zealand (21 February, Colombo), England (24 February, Kandy) and Sri Lanka (28 February, Kandy).

Sahibzada Farhan reached his century from 57 balls with 11 fours and four sixes, but failed to score off the final delivery to deny Pakistan their 18th total of 200 or more in 296 T20Is. Pakistan last crossed the 200-run mark against the UAE in Sharjah in August 2025 when they posted 207.

While scoring his maiden T20I century in his 43rd match, Sahibzada Farhan joined Ahmed Shehzad as the only century-makers for Pakistan in T20 World Cups. Ahmed Shehzad had achieved the feat against Bangladesh in 2014 in Mirpur.

Sahibzada Farhan had reached his half-century from 37 balls with five fours and two sixes, while his second 50 runs came from 20 balls with six fours and two sixes.

After Saim Ayub departed early following an uncharacteristic 14, Sahibzada Farhan added 67 runs from 42 balls for the second wicket with Salman Ali Agha (38 off 23 balls, 3×4, 2×6). For the unfinished fourth wicket, Sahibzada Farhan put on 81 runs from 40 balls with Shadab Khan, who struck a four and three sixes in a 22-ball 36 not out.

After Pakistan made a watchful start and reached 47 for one in the PowerPlay overs, they moved to 85 for one at the halfway stage before adding 114 runs in the last 10 overs, including 68 in the last five.

Namibia’s run-chase was dented by Salman Mirza, who removed Jan Frylinck at the total of 32 before Salman and Saim combined to run out Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton to leave the Southern African side at 39 for two.

The spin trio of Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz then got into action to capture wickets at regular intervals as Namibia were dismissed for 97 in 17.3 overs.

Off-spinner Usman Tariq recorded his best T20I figures of 3.3-1-16-4, while Shadab Khan also showed glimpses of his brilliance while recording figures of 4-0-19-3.

Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket for 22 runs, and Salman Mirza finished with one for 11.

Pakistan made two changes from the side that lost to India by 61 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed were replaced by Khawaja Nafay and Salman Mirza.

Scores in brief

Group A – Pakistan beat Namibia by 102 runs

Pakistan 199-3, 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100 not out, Salman Ali Agha 38, Shadab Khan 36 not out)

Namibia 97 all-out, 17.3 overs (Usman Tariq 4-16, Shadab Khan 3-19, Salman Mirza 1-11, Mohammad Nawaz 1-22)

Player of the match – Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan’s matches in Super Eight Stage:

21 Feb – New Zealand, Colombo

24 Feb – England, Kandy

28 Feb – Sri Lanka, Kandy

Pakistan’s Group A results:

Beat the Netherlands by three wickets

Beat the USA by 32 runs

Lost to India by 61 runs

Beat Namibia by 102 runs