Colombo/New Delhi: Pakistan and South Africa registered commanding victories on Wednesday to book their places in the Super Eights, with Pakistan overpowering Namibia and South Africa completing the group stage without a defeat.
In Colombo, Pakistan produced a dominant all-round display, built around Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten century and a decisive spin effort. Batting first in a must-win fixture, Pakistan recovered from an uneasy start to post 199 for 3. Farhan, after a cautious beginning, shifted momentum with authoritative strokeplay despite battling a leg niggle that restricted his running.
Salman Agha’s brisk cameo helped lift the tempo before his dismissal, while a late unbeaten stand between Farhan and Shadab Khan ensured a strong finish. Farhan brought up his hundred in the closing stages, and Shadab’s late hitting pushed Pakistan close to the 200-run mark.
Namibia’s response faltered early. Pakistan’s spinners applied sustained pressure, exploiting turn and bounce to derail the chase. Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan struck key blows through the middle overs, while Usman Tariq’s incisive spell — featuring sharp variations and a double-wicket maiden — sealed Namibia’s fate. Bowled out for 97, Namibia suffered a 102-run defeat as Pakistan cruised into the next round.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 199/3 (Sahibzada Farhan 100*, Salman Agha 38) beat Namibia 97 all out (Louren Steenkamp 23; Usman Tariq 4-16, Shadab Khan 3-19) by 102 runs.
In Delhi, South Africa wrapped up their group campaign with a comfortable six-wicket win over UAE, finishing unbeaten. Despite resting several frontline bowlers, South Africa delivered a disciplined performance to restrict UAE to 122 for 6. Corbin Bosch led the attack with a sharp three-wicket haul, while Anrich Nortje’s pace and George Linde’s control kept UAE from building partnerships.
Muhammad Waseem provided early aggression for UAE but fell attempting to counter spin. Alishan Sharafu top-scored yet struggled to accelerate consistently, as wickets at regular intervals limited UAE to a modest total.
South Africa’s chase was swift and assured. Aiden Markram set the tone with a rapid burst of boundaries, while Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis contributed briskly to keep the required rate well in check. The target was reached with 40 balls remaining, underlining South Africa’s composure and batting depth.
The Proteas’ only concern came in the field, where multiple dropped catches offered UAE brief reprieves. However, the lapses proved inconsequential in an otherwise clinical outing.
Brief Scores: UAE 122/6 (Alishan Sharafu 45; Corbin Bosch 3-12) lost to South Africa 123/4 (Dewald Brevis 36, Ryan Rickelton 30) by six wickets.
Both Pakistan and South Africa now carry strong momentum into the Super Eights, while Namibia and UAE bow out after disappointing campaigns.
