Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan has become only the second Pakistani batter to score a century in a T20 World Cup.
Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten 100 off 58 balls powered Pakistan to a commanding total of 199 for 3 in their final group-stage match at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
With the knock, Sahibzada Farhan joined Ahmed Shehzad, who scored 111 not out against Bangladesh in the 2014 edition, as the only Pakistan batters to reach three figures at a T20 World Cup.
Batting first, Pakistan made a positive start through openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who scored briskly to put early pressure on the bowling attack. The opening stand yielded 40 runs before Saim was dismissed for 14 off 12 balls, including two boundaries, by Jack Brassell.
Captain Salman Ali Agha then joined Sahibzada Farhan, and the pair stitched together a fluent 67-run partnership for the second wicket. Their stand steadied the innings and carried Pakistan past the 100-run mark, with Farhan continuing to dominate the bowlers and bringing up his 10th T20I half-century.
The partnership ended in the 13th over when Brassell struck again, dismissing Agha for a well-made 38 off 23 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes. Pakistan were 107 for 2 at that stage.
In a surprise move, Babar Azam was held back as Khawaja Nafay was promoted up the order. Nafay’s stay was short-lived, however, as he was removed for five off five deliveries by Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus.
With Pakistan looking to accelerate, Shadab Khan walked in and gradually found his rhythm. Farhan, meanwhile, maintained control of the innings, striking boundaries regularly to push the total beyond 150.
Sahibzada Farhan eventually reached his maiden T20 World Cup century in style, becoming the third batter to score a hundred in the 2026 tournament after Pathum Nissanka and Yuvraj Samra. His partnership with Shadab added a quick 50 runs for the fourth wicket, giving Pakistan a strong finish.
The innings ended with Farhan unbeaten on 100, laced with 11 fours and four sixes. Shadab provided valuable support with 36 off 22 balls, including one four and three sixes, as Pakistan posted a formidable total heading into the business end of the group stage.