Pakistan crushed Namibia by 102 runs in the 35th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. After deciding to bat first, Pakistan posted 199/3 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a breathtaking unbeaten century that later outshone Namibia’s entire batting effort. Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan supported him well. Jack Brassell (2/48 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Namibia, while Gerhard Erasmus took one wicket.

In reply, Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs. Usman Tariq (4/16 in 3.3 overs) and Shadab Khan (3/19 in 4 overs) dismantled the Namibian batting line-up. Louren Steenkamp was the highest scorer for Namibia.

With this win, Pakistan booked a spot in the Super Eight round. Namibia’s journey in the tournament ended with this match.

Farhan’s Blazing Hundred

Sahibzada Farhan calmed early nerves with a powerful innings. He smashed 100 not out from 58 balls. His knock included 11 fours and four sixes. Remarkably, his total alone exceeded Namibia’s final score of 97.

Farhan reached his half-century in 37 balls. Then he shifted gears. His second fifty came in just 20 deliveries. He maintained relentless pressure on a struggling Namibian attack. It was his maiden T20I hundred and the third century of this year’s tournament, setting a new record.

Pakistan needed at least a win or a washout to stay ahead of USA in the group standings. Instead, they produced their most dominant performance of the campaign.

Middle-Order Acceleration

Pakistan’s innings did not begin smoothly. The powerplay reflected their inconsistent tournament form. Saim Ayub scored 14 off 12 balls but survived several risky shots. Farhan also relied on early misfields and edges for boundaries.

However, Pakistan gradually found control. Namibia rotated six bowlers in the first eight overs, but that strategy failed to build sustained pressure.

Farhan attacked Ruben Trumpelmann with back-to-back fours. He then took on legspinner Willem Myburgh, smashing three huge sixes in one over. Even after hurting his knee during a drive, Farhan continued to dominate.

Salman Agha supported him with 38 off 23 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Pakistan raced to 107 for 1 after 12 overs. Salman was disappointed when he holed out to mid-off. Soon after, Khawaja Nafay fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan at 118 for 3 in the 14th over.

Shadab Khan then walked in with attacking intent. Promoted to No. 5 ahead of Babar Azam, he played a crucial role. He helped Farhan add 78 runs in the final six overs.

Spin Quartet Seals the Game

Pakistan’s bowlers completed the job with authority. Mohammad Nawaz applied pressure in the middle overs with figures of 1 for 22 in four overs.

Then Shadab Khan and Usman Tariq dismantled Namibia’s lower order. Shadab returned figures of 3 for 19. He also took a sharp diving catch at square leg off Zane Green, with Saim Ayub showing excellent awareness in the field. Shadab added another smart catch at midwicket to give Tariq his first wicket.

Tariq produced a career-best 4 for 16. He bowled a variety of carrom balls and cleverly disguised legbreaks. Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz were both bowled through the gate by perfect googlies. Willem Myburgh edged a legbreak to cap a superb spell. Shadab and Tariq shared the last seven wickets.

Namibia’s Brief Resistance

Chasing a steep target, Namibia needed 10 runs per over from the start. They attacked early in the powerplay. Faheem Ashraf opened the bowling, as Shaheen Afridi was left out after inconsistent performances.

Louren Steenkamp struck a slower ball over the sightscreen. At 32 for 0 after four overs, Namibia looked competitive.

However, the momentum shifted quickly. Salman Mirza bowled Jan Frylinck for 9. Jan Loftie-Eaton ran himself out after a poor call to mid-off. Nawaz dismissed Steenkamp for 23 with a top-edged shot. Four balls later, Shadab removed captain Gerhard Erasmus with a big legbreak.

From there, Namibia collapsed. Pakistan bowled them out for 97, completing a comprehensive victory.

Brief Scorecard