COLOMBO: In a dazzling display of power and precision, Sahibzada Farhan smashed a scintillating century to propel Pakistan to a challenging 200-run target against Namibia in a must-win clash of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. Farhan’s hundred, achieved in just 57 balls, makes him only the second Pakistani to reach the T20 World Cup milestone.
In Group A’s 35th match, Pakistan batted first and scored 199 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
The innings began cautiously, with Pakistan managing just 47 runs in the Powerplay. Observing the slow start, Namibia sensed an opportunity to put pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. In the first six overs, Pakistan did not hit a single six but managed eight crisp boundaries.
Sahibzada Farhan starred with an unbeaten century, scoring 100 runs off 58 balls. Shadab Khan remained not out on 36, while Salman Ali Agha played a quick 38 off 23 balls.
Pakistan opted to bat after winning the toss and accelerated in the final five overs, adding 68 runs without losing a wicket.
After a brief 15-ball lull stretching from the latter half of the sixth over to the end of the eighth, Farhan, alongside Salman Agha, turned up the heat. The duo launched an audacious assault on Namibia’s leg-spinner Myburth, hitting three massive sixes and signaling Pakistan’s intent to dominate. Yet Namibia responded with smart tactical bowling, trying to slow the momentum, but the damage was already done.
Farhan’s masterclass not only electrified the crowd but also gave Pakistan a commanding platform in this high-stakes encounter, setting the stage for an exhilarating second half.
