Farhan ton takes Pakistan to 199-3 in must-win T20 World Cup match / Photo: Ishara S. KODIKARA - AFP
Farhan ton takes Pakistan to 199-3 in must-win T20 World Cup match
Sahibzada Farhan hit a magnificent unbeaten century to take his side to 199-3 in their must-win T20 World Cup clash against Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old finished 100 not out off 58 balls for his first T20 international ton, containing four sixes and 11 fours.
After losing to India on Sunday, a second defeat would eliminate Pakistan, who opted to bat after winning the toss, with the USA or Netherlands progressing from Group A.
Farhan blasted a six and a four off pace bowler Jack Brassell to enter the 90s before taking a single off Gerhard Erasmus to complete his hundred in the final over.
Farhan is the only second Pakistani to score a T20 World Cup century after Ahmed Shehzad in 2014 against Bangladesh.
Shadab Khan, promoted to number five with Babar Azam left out, hit three sixes and a four in his 36 not out off 22 balls as Pakistan smashed 42 from the last three overs.
Farhan put on 40 for the opening wicket with Saim Ayub (14) before consolidating the innings during a 67-run second wicket stand with captain Salman Agha (38).
Pakistan also left out pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi after a poor show in the first three matches, including conceding 31 in two overs in the defeat against India on Sunday.
Farhan's ton means this is the first T20 World Cup in which three centuries have been scored.
He followed Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka, who scored a hundred against Australia on Monday, and Canada's Yuvraj Sama who reached three figures against New Zealand on Tuesday.
G.Mishaal--al-Hayat
