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Pakistan secured their place in the Super Eight stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 18, 2026, with a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. This win made Pakistan the eighth and final team to progress to the second round, finishing second in Group A behind India. The victory was a statement performance, showcasing Pakistan’s balance of explosive batting and disciplined bowling.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable 199/3. Sahibzada Farhan delivered a career-defining performance, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 58 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes, registering his maiden T20 international century. His innings anchored the team’s total while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. Middle-order contributions from Salman Ali Agha, who scored 38, and Shadab Khan, unbeaten on 36, ensured Pakistan’s innings remained competitive and built a commanding platform. The partnership depth highlighted Pakistan’s ability to accelerate effectively without losing momentum.
Namibia’s reply faltered under Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. They were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs, giving Pakistan a record-breaking 102-run victory — the largest margin by runs in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup history. Usman Tariq led the charge with exceptional figures of 4-16, while Shadab Khan supported with 3-19. The bowlers applied consistent pressure, exploiting Namibia’s weak middle order and preventing any significant partnerships. This comprehensive performance reflected Pakistan’s all-round strength and strategic execution under pressure.
With this win, Pakistan advances to the Super Eight stage and secures automatic qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The qualifying teams are divided into two groups of four, with matches hosted in India and Sri Lanka:
| Group 1 (Hosted in India) | Group 2 (Hosted in Sri Lanka) |
|---|---|
| India | Pakistan |
| South Africa | England |
| West Indies | New Zealand |
| Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka |
Pakistan is placed in Group 2, alongside England, New Zealand, and the host nation, Sri Lanka. Their Super Eight schedule is as follows: February 21 against New Zealand in Colombo, February 24 versus England in Kandy, and February 28 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The team will aim to maintain momentum and carry forward this dominant form as they pursue a deep run in the tournament.
Mushraf Baig is a content writer and digital publishing specialist focused on data-driven topics, monetization strategies, and emerging technology trends. With experience creating in-depth, research-backed articles, He helps readers understand complex subjects such as analytics, advertising platforms, and digital growth strategies in clear, practical terms.
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