Pakistan secured qualification for the Super 8 stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Wednesday, registering their largest margin of victory by runs in the tournament’s history.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan compiled an imposing 199 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs building momentum steadily before accelerating in the latter half of the innings. Opener Sahibzada Farhan anchored the total with an unbeaten 100 off 58 deliveries, striking 11 fours and four sixes in a measured yet authoritative display that blended patience with controlled aggression. He was supported by captain Salman Ali Agha who scored 38 from 23 balls while Shadab Khan added a brisk 36 not out off 22 deliveries to push the score beyond Namibia’s immediate reach.
Namibia’s chase failed to gather stability from the outset as Pakistan’s bowling attack maintained consistent pressure through disciplined lines and sharp field placements. Off-spinner Usman Tariq proved decisive claiming four wickets for 16 runs and disrupting the middle order while Shadab Khan complemented the effort with three for 19. Namibia were eventually bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs with Louren Steenkamp’s 23 off 22 balls standing as their highest individual contribution.
The result ensured Pakistan finished second in Group A with six points advancing to the Super 8 alongside India while the United States and the Netherlands were eliminated from the competition. Farhan’s century also placed him among a select group of Pakistani batters to score a hundred in a T20 World Cup match further highlighting the significance of the performance.
Pakistan will now enter Super 8 Group 2 where they are scheduled to face New Zealand on February 21, England on February 24 and Sri Lanka on February 28 with fixtures set to be played in Colombo and Kandy. The emphatic nature of the win has strengthened Pakistan’s net run rate and provided renewed confidence as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.