In a commanding display of cricket, Pakistan thrashed Namibia by 102 runs in their crucial Group A encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 18, 2026. This victory not only marked Pakistan’s biggest win margin in T20 World Cup history but also propelled them into the Super 8 stage, joining powerhouses like England, New Zealand, and hosts Sri Lanka. The match, highlighted in a thrilling ICC video recap, showcased Pakistan’s all-round prowess, with opener Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten century stealing the show.
Pakistan’s Explosive Batting Sets the Tone
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made the right call on a batsman-friendly pitch. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub provided a solid start, though Ayub fell early in the powerplay. Farhan, however, was unstoppable, smashing his maiden T20I century—an unbeaten 100 off just 58 balls, laced with powerful strokes down the ground and clever footwork against the Namibian bowlers. His innings included milestones like racing to 49 and 50 with aggressive play, as captured in the match highlights where commentators praised his “good use of the feet” and ability to pump deliveries down the ground.
Supporting Farhan were valuable contributions from the middle order, helping Pakistan reach a formidable 199/3 in 20 overs. Shadab Khan’s all-round performance added depth, while the team’s aggressive approach ensured Namibia faced a daunting target of 200 runs—a chase that seemed improbable from the outset.
Namibia’s Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 200, Namibia’s batting lineup crumbled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. The innings never gained momentum, with early wickets disrupting any potential partnerships. Usman Tariq was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4-16, including key edges and the final wicket that sealed the deal. Moments like a “ball in the slot” leading to a crucial dismissal and brilliant fielding efforts—such as diving stops that “just got away”—highlighted Pakistan’s dominance, as seen in the ICC highlights video.
Namibia limped to 97 all out in 17.3 overs, with their batsmen struggling against pace and spin alike. Willem Myburgh scored a modest 8 off 14 balls before falling to Tariq, while Bernard Scholtz managed just 1. The commentary in the highlights described Pakistan’s bowling as “brilliant,” underscoring how they railroaded Namibia into submission.
Standout Performances and Player of the Match
Sahibzada Farhan was rightfully named Player of the Match for his scintillating ton. In his post-match comments, Farhan reflected on his consistent domestic form: “I am that player who has played domestic matches regularly for the last 4 years and tries not to miss any of those matches.” Usman Tariq’s four-wicket haul and Shadab Khan’s contributions with bat and ball further solidified Pakistan’s comprehensive win.
For Namibia, the match exposed gaps in their batting against top-tier opposition, though they showed glimpses of fight in the field.
Implications for the Tournament
This fourth win for Pakistan in the group stage ensures their progression to the Super 8s, where tougher challenges await. The result also highlights the growing gap between established teams and associates like Namibia in high-stakes tournaments.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 heats up, Pakistan looks poised for a deep run. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis!
Video Source: YouTube
