pakistan national cricket team vs namibia national cricket team standings: Farhan ton and Tariq magic send Pakistan into Super 8s
Pakistan booked the last available place in the Super 8s with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday (ET). An unbeaten century from Sahibzada Farhan and a devastating spell from off-spinner Usman Tariq left Namibia bowled out for 97, sealing Pakistan's passage into the next round.
Farhan’s maiden T20 international century sets up a big total
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted 199 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. Farhan finished unbeaten on 100 from 58 balls, striking four sixes and 11 fours as he steered the innings through a tricky start. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed a brisk 38 at the top, while Shadab Khan added a useful 36 not out to boost the total late on.
Farhan described the payoff for sustained domestic work, saying his consistent run of games over the past four years had helped him seize the opportunity. He acknowledged the early wicket losses but stressed the importance of building a partnership before accelerating—an approach that ultimately produced a match-defining century and a near-200 score.
Tariq’s off-spin and support bowlers blow Namibia away; impact on standings
Namibia’s chase never gained traction. Usman Tariq’s mystery off-spin delivered the decisive breakthrough, finishing with figures of 4 for 16. Shadab Khan supported with 3 for 19 as Namibia were bundled out for 97 in 17. 3 overs. The result completed Namibia’s fourth straight defeat in the tournament and confirmed Pakistan as the final qualifier for the Super 8s.
With this win, Pakistan join Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the same Super 8 group that will take place in England. The victory reshuffles the early tournament hierarchy: Pakistan move through with momentum and a pronounced balance between explosive batting and varied spin, while Namibia will regroup after exiting at the group stage.
What the result means moving forward
Pakistan’s combination of a reliable opening stand, a match-winning century, and a potent spin attack gives them a balanced template heading into the Super 8s. The manner of the win — posting 199 and then dismantling a chase inside 18 overs — will raise expectations for their next phase of matches.
Other group outcomes in the same round left South Africa unbeaten in their group, while teams that progressed alongside Pakistan have also shown consistent form. For Pakistan, the challenge now is to convert this momentum into wins against stronger opposition in the Super 8s; their bowling, led by Tariq and Shadab, and middle-order finishing power will be key assets.
Namibia will take stock of their spin struggles and batting collapses as they plan for future events. Their early exit underlines the fine margins in T20 tournaments, where a single big innings or a short, decisive bowling spell can determine a team's fate.
Pakistan’s clinical performance in Colombo ended the group stage emphatically and set a clear narrative heading into the next round: a side capable of both piling up a challenging total and defending it with incisive, varied spin bowling.
