ISLAMABAD: Sahibzada Farhan powered Pakistan to an imposing 199-3 in their 20 overs against Namibia national cricket team in their final group-stage clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan made a brisk start as Farhan and Saim Ayub attacked from the outset. Their 40-run opening partnership ended when Ayub fell for 14 off 12 balls, dismissed by Jack Brassell after striking two boundaries.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha then joined Farhan, and the pair stitched together a fluent 67-run stand for the second wicket, pushing Pakistan beyond the 100-run mark. Farhan continued to dominate, registering his 10th T20I half-century in the process.
Brassell struck again to remove Agha for 38 off 23 deliveries, an innings featuring three fours and two sixes, leaving Pakistan at 107-2 in 12.1 overs.
In a surprise move, Babar Azam did not bat at number three; instead, Khawaja Nafay was promoted but managed only five runs off five balls before being dismissed by Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus.
Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan then joined Farhan at the crease. Although Shadab began cautiously, Farhan maintained the momentum, striking regular boundaries to carry Pakistan past 150.
Farhan eventually reached his maiden T20I century, becoming just the second Pakistani after Ahmed Shehzad to score a hundred in a T20 World Cup. He and Shadab added 50 runs for the fourth wicket, with Shadab accelerating towards the end.
Pakistan finished on 199-3, with Farhan unbeaten on 100 from 58 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes, while Shadab contributed 36 off 22 deliveries, smashing one four and three sixes.
