Sahibzada Farhan’s century should have been the perfect headline, but it ended up sparking debate after former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan publicly questioned the intent behind the knock during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup clash with Namibia.

Farhan’s landmark ton, but questions over approach

Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan registered his maiden T20 World Cup hundred during Pakistan’s Group A fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He reached the milestone in the penultimate over by nudging a single toward long-on, becoming only the second Pakistani after Ahmed Shehzad to score a century in the tournament.

While the achievement was significant, the method raised eyebrows. With the innings nearing its end, Pathan felt the priority should have been maximizing the team total rather than securing a personal milestone. He also pointed out that Farhan played cautiously in the final over and even failed to connect with the last ball delivered by Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus.

Farhan eventually remained unbeaten on 100 from 58 balls, an innings built on 11 boundaries and four sixes, scoring at an aggressive strike rate.

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Pakistan build big total

Pakistan posted a strong 199/3, with captain Salman Ali Agha contributing 38 and Shadab Khan finishing with an unbeaten cameo that included crucial late sixes. The late hitting ensured Pakistan ended with a competitive total despite a slightly underwhelming final over.

Namibia collapse under pressure

In response, Namibia struggled to keep up with the required rate. Spinner Usman Tariq dismantled the middle order with a four-wicket spell, while Shadab chipped in with three more scalps. Namibia were eventually bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs.

The comprehensive 102-run win not only highlighted Pakistan’s dominance but also secured their progression to the Super 8 stage, even as discussions around Farhan’s closing-over choices continued to divide opinion.