
Updated: Feb 19, 2026 02:27 PM
most dangerous when their backs are against the wall. After a heavy defeat to India, the pressure was at an all-time high. It was a classic do-or-die situation at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo for the 35th Match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
The assignment was simple: Win, and the Super 8 dream stays alive. Lose, and pack your bags.
Spoiler alert: They didn't just win; they put on an absolute clinic, thrashing Namibia by a massive 102 runs. Let’s break down exactly how this dhamakedar match unfolded and what it means for the rest of the tournament.
When Captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat first, Pakistan needed a hero to step up and set the tone. Enter Sahibzada Farhan.
Farhan played the innings of a lifetime, smashing a brilliant, unbeaten 100 off just 58 balls*. He anchored the innings perfectly, blending sheer power with smart, tactical stroke play. Supported by a solid 38 from the skipper and a quickfire 36* from Shadab Khan, Farhan's century propelled Pakistan to a daunting total of 199/3. It was exactly the kind of statement batting performance the fans were begging for.
Chasing 200 in a high-pressure World Cup game is a mountain to climb for any team, let alone a struggling Namibian side. Pakistan’s bowlers smelled blood early and never let off the gas.
While the pacers kept things tight, it was the spin duo that absolutely dismantled the Namibian batting lineup:
Usman Tariq was unplayable, wrapping up the tail with ridiculous figures of 4/16 in his 3.3 overs.
Shadab Khan was right there with him, taking 3/19 and breaking the back of Namibia's middle order (including the crucial wicket of Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus).
Namibia was eventually bundled out for just 97 in 17.3 overs. Total domination.
This wasn't just a win; it was a massive sigh of relief for the entire nation.
Coming into this Group A clash, Pakistan’s Net Run Rate (NRR) had taken a serious hit after the India game, leaving their qualification hanging by a thread with the USA breathing down their necks. This colossal 102-run victory didn't just earn them two points—it mathematically secured their spot as the second qualifier from Group A.
Pakistan is officially heading to the Super 8s, joining the heavyweights in the next round. They’ve found their rhythm right when it matters the most, and as history tells us, a confident Pakistan in the knockout stages is a terrifying prospect for any opponent.
The Takeaway
From Farhan’s explosive maiden T20 WC century to a ruthless bowling display, Pakistan checked every single box in Colombo. They’ve shaken off the early-tournament jitters and announced their arrival to the Super 8s in the loudest way possible. The tournament is just heating up! 🏆