Pakistan officially secured their place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 by delivering a ruthless 102-run thrashing of Namibia on February 18, 2026. This victory stands as their most dominant performance of the tournament, coming at a time when their campaign was teetering on the edge after a heavy loss to India.
The “Men in Green” showcased absolute clinical precision at the Sinhalese Sports Club, outclassing the African nation in every department to claim the final remaining spot in the next round. Led by a record-shattering century from Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan posted a formidable 199/3 before their bowling unit dismantled the opposition for a mere 97 runs. The emphatic nature of the win not only eliminated the USA from contention but also restored a massive sense of belief within the Pakistani camp.
Sahibzada Farhan’s historic century for Pakistan and Shadab Khan’s late-overs blitz ignite Colombo
The Sinhalese Sports Club witnessed a masterclass in T20 batting as Farhan became only the second Pakistan in history to score a T20 World Cup century, finishing with a magnificent, unbeaten 100 off 58 balls*. After Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, Farhan anchored the innings with a blend of surgical precision and calculated aggression, reaching his milestone in the final over of the innings.
The early phase saw a cautious start following the loss of Saim Ayub, but Farhan found an able ally in captain Salman Ali Agha, who contributed a quick-fire 38 to steady the ship. A brief stutter occurred when Khawaja Nafay was dismissed for 5, but this only cleared the path for a devastating 81-run partnership between Farhan and Shadab Khan. Shadab was equally destructive, smashing 36 off just 22 deliveries*, including three towering sixes that shifted the momentum irrevocably in the final five overs.
Farhan was particularly savage against the Namibian seamers, plundering 22 runs in a single over from Willem Myburgh and showcasing a full array of sweeps, pulls, and drives. His hundred, punctuated by 11 boundaries and 4 sixes, was the bedrock of Pakistan’s massive total, leaving the Namibian bowlers looking completely shells-shocked as they conceded 65 runs in the death-over surge. By the time the innings closed at 199, the body language of the African side suggested the chase was already beyond their reach.
Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan orchestrate a bowling masterclass to seal Super 8 spot for Pakistan
Defending a target of 200, the Pakistan bowlers delivered their most disciplined performance of the 2026 campaign, bundling Namibia out for just 97 runs in 17.3 overs. The chase began with a brief flicker of intent from Louren Steenkamp, but the Pakistani pace attack, bolstered by the tactical decision to bench Shaheen Afridi, quickly exerted control through Salman Mirza’s early breakthrough.
However, the true architect of the collapse was the mystery spinner Usman Tariq, whose unconventional action and deceptive ‘long pause’ left the Namibian middle order in total disarray. Tariq finished with sensational career-best figures of 4/16, consistently finding the edge or hitting the stumps as the batters struggled to read his release point. Supporting him was a rejuvenated Shadab Khan, who followed up his batting heroics with a clinical 3/19, including the prized wicket of Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus, who was caught behind attempting a late cut.
The pressure was relentless; Pakistan’s fielders were equally sharp, effecting a crucial run-out early in the powerplay that saw Namibia slip to 40/2 and never recover. As the required rate soared past 15 runs per over, the tail stood no chance against the spin duo, with Tariq eventually wrapping up the tail in a whirlwind final spell. The 102-run victory not only confirmed Pakistan’s qualification but also ensured they finished with the highest Net Run Rate in Group A, setting them up as a formidable threat for the Super 8 matches ahead.
Also READ: From power to precision: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup centurions
Here’s how fans reacted:
A comprehensive victory for Pakistan by 102 runs against Namibia seals them the final place in the Super 8 stages of the #T20WorldCup. They came back strongly today after a disappointing performance against India. Now England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand awaits…
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) February 18, 2026
Sahibzada Farhan, 100!!
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) February 18, 2026
After a terrible game against India. Shadab has come back really well. But we need similar performances against top teams please🙏 #PAKvNAM #PakistanCricket
— Haroon (@hazharoon) February 18, 2026
If used properly Usman Tariq, and of course Sahibzada Farhan can take Pakistan to at least the semifinals. #PakvsNam #ICCMensT20WorldCup
— Nauman Liaqat (@naumank845) February 18, 2026
Pakistan has Qualified for Super 8
Australia couldn’t
Systems matter because they improve averages but Individuals matter more
— Shehzad Younis شہزاد یونس (@shehzadyounis) February 18, 2026
Congratulations Pakistan win by 102 runs and qualify for the Super 8. Sahibzada Farhan played a magnificent unbeaten knock his first T20I & T20 World Cup century. Usman Tariq stunned with a brilliant 4 wicket mystery bowling spell#PAKvNAM #T20WorldCup
— 🐧 (@wordsbyher_) February 18, 2026
Now the real test begins for Pakistan.
They will face the home side Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and England in the Super 8. It’s time for the seniors to deliver! pic.twitter.com/hqIMTSdyE8
— junaiz (@dhillow_) February 18, 2026
Ramiz Raja is absolutely right, Saim is a walking wicket. Pakistan needs to promote Babar top of the order with Farhan Agha. Otherwise we will struggle in Super 8.
Saim has played 65 T20 with poor average and SR. #T20WorldCup— Faisal Ranjha (@ranjha001) February 18, 2026
Pakistan’s Super 8 group includes England, NZ and Sri Lanka.
— Haider Abbasi (@HaiderKAbbasi) February 18, 2026
🔥🏏 PAKISTAN SEAL SUPER 8 SPOT IN STYLE! 🏏🔥
Namibia blown away by 102 runs 💣
Clinical all-round performance 👑
Scorecard: https://t.co/PxzcboIS2N#T20WorldCup2026 #cricket #Pakistan #Super8 #Namibia #PAKvNAM #PAKvsNAM pic.twitter.com/J1GrHfYw4U
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 18, 2026
