Sahibzada Farhan. His brilliant century set the tone. Then the bowlers took over. Clinical. Deadly. Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan left the opposition with no answers. But what does this mean for the tournament? Everything. With this win, Pakistan have officially punched their ticket to the Super 8. They join the elite. The dream stays alive. Namibia? Their journey ends here. Pakistan march on!!
Until then, I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentator, Ajay Pal Singh, scorer Raju Khariya, and statistician Aman. Also, a special thanks to Manan Mehta for chipping in. That’s it from our side. Thanks for joining. But there is one more match scheduled in the T20 World Cup. Switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!
Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan Captain): (On the overall performance) “Yeah, I think it was a complete performance from us. We batted really well in the Powerplay and got off to a strong start. In the middle overs, we built important partnerships, and then we finished the innings nicely. Sahibzada Farhan has been outstanding for us over the last six months, and I’m very happy for him to get a hundred today.
(On the bowling effort) When it came to bowling, I thought we were lethal and ruthless. Both the fast bowlers and spinners operated in the right areas, and that made a big difference. It felt like a very disciplined and clinical display from the entire bowling unit.
(On Tariq’s impact with spin) He’s someone who is very tough to pick. Even in domestic cricket, I found him extremely challenging to face because of his variations. When he gets into a rhythm, he becomes even more difficult. I’m very happy for him and hope he continues bowling like this in the business end of the tournament.
(On the upcoming Super 8 clash) New Zealand are a very good side and have been playing good cricket as well. I’m hoping for a great contest. If we can replicate the kind of performance we delivered today, I think we’ll be in a good position.
(On the team’s spin-heavy strategy) We have the luxury of multiple spinners and all-rounders who can both bat and bowl. In conditions like Sri Lanka, that gives us great flexibility. With the quality of spin options we have, we don’t necessarily need to rely heavily on pace in the middle overs, though we do have that option if required.”
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia Captain): (Thoughts on the start with the ball) Yeah, it was really pleasing to see young Jack Brassell run in hard. He was supported by Smit and Trumpelmann. Unfortunately, we could not instill pressure with a few early wickets.
(Playing against the Pakistan Spin) It is a special skill to have to turn the ball both ways like Pakistan does. We need to take that on board and learn how to bat against that kind of bowling.
(Take aways from the World Cup) For us the main thing is to nail specialist positions in this world cup. I feel the openers batted really well and that was the main take away from this World Cup.
(The 2027 World Cup coming to Namibia) Lots going around in Namibian cricket. Lots of games all around the year. The big World Cup is coming home and the guys are excited."
Sahibzada Farhan (Player of the Match): (On his approach and preparation) Five centuries in 2025 is nice, but I see myself as a player who has been consistently playing domestic cricket for the last four years. I haven’t missed matches, and all the runs and hundreds I’ve scored have come through domestic cricket. Whether it was first-class, the PSL, or now for Pakistan, I’ve always trusted that hard work.
(On the early phase of the innings) At the start, the wicket wasn’t that easy. Sam and I spoke about taking a bit of time to settle. I was confident that even if we used a few overs to adjust, we could still finish strongly later. With players like Salman Ali Agha in form, I believed that once I got set, I could play my natural game.
(On the partnership with Shadab Khan) That stand was very important for us. We had lost wickets in quick succession, so the priority was to build a partnership. I told Shadab that we needed stability at that stage. Once we were set, we knew we could accelerate because he’s a naturally aggressive player as well.
(On executing the plan and reaching a big total) The focus was simply to stay calm, build the innings, and then capitalise. Everything worked according to the plan, and it feels great to contribute with a hundred and help the team post a strong total.
(On the result and team achievement) It’s always special to score a hundred, but more importantly, I’m happy that Pakistan have qualified for the Super 8. That’s what truly matters.”
Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan
Lowest Innings Total vs Pakistan in T20 WCs (All-Out & 20-Overs):
91/9 – Netherlands, Perth, 2022
93/10 – Netherlands, Lord’s, 2009
97/10 – Namibia, Colombo (SSC), 2026, (Today)*
99/10 – New Zealand, The Oval, 2009
Most Wickets by Pakistan Spinners in an Innings in T20 WCs:
8 vs Netherlands, Lord’s, 2009
8 vs Namibia, Colombo (SSC), 2026, (Today)*
7 vs Australia, Colombo (RPS), 2012
7 vs USA, Colombo (SSC), 2026
Best Bowling Figure for Usman Tariq in T20Is:
4/16 vs Namibia, Colombo (SSC), 2026, (Today)*
4/18 vs Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi, 2025
3/27 vs USA, Colombo (SSC), 2026
Best Bowling Figure for Pakistan in T20 WCs:
5/6 – Umar Gul vs New Zealand, The Oval, 2009
4/11 – Shahid Afridi vs Netherlands, Lord’s, 2009
4/16 – Usman Tariq vs Namibia, Colombo (SSC), 2026, (Today)*
4/18 – Mohammad Asif vs India, Durban, 2007
4/19 – Shahid Afridi vs Scotland, Durban, 2007
4/19 – Saeed Ajmal vs Ireland, The Oval, 2009
Most Consecutive Innings with at least one Wicket in T20s: