‘Unbelievable’: Irfan Pathan Slams Sahibzada Farhan’s Defensive Tactics Despite T20 World Cup Century
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan heavily criticized Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan for his approach during the final over of the T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against Namibia. Despite Farhan scoring a maiden T20 International century and guiding Pakistan to a commanding position, Pathan labeled the batter’s decision to take a single to reach the milestone as “unbelievable” given the match situation.
Milestone Over Momentum
The controversy unfolded in the 20th over of Pakistan’s innings in Colombo. Farhan, batting on 99, opted to push a delivery from Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus to long-on for a single rather than attempting an aggressive boundary. This single secured his hundred off 58 balls, making him only the second Pakistani batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a century in T20 World Cup history.
Pathan, performing commentary duties, expressed immediate dissatisfaction with the lack of aggressive intent during the death overs. He argued that personal milestones should not supersede the team’s objective of maximizing the total.
“He definitely has scored a century, but taking a single? Unbelievable. Unbelievable,” Pathan said on air. “You would be happy that you have scored a century and that Pakistan have reached 199. But in the last over, you play a defensive shot, then you leave the last ball. Kamaal hai [It’s amazing].”
Farhan finished unbeaten on 100 with a strike rate of 172.41, including 11 fours and four sixes. However, his inability to connect with a wide delivery on the final ball of the innings further fueled the critique that the last over was underutilized.
Match Snapshot: Pakistan vs. Namibia
Despite the debate over the finishing touch, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 199/3. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 38 runs, while all-rounder Shadab Khan provided a crucial late surge, remaining unbeaten on 36. Shadab’s two sixes in the final stages were pivotal in pushing the team score near the 200-run mark.
Match Statistics Summary
| Role | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer (PAK) | Sahibzada Farhan | 100* (58 balls) |
| All-Rounder (PAK) | Shadab Khan | 36* (Runs) & 3/19 (Figures) |
| Best Bowler (PAK) | Usman Tariq | 4/16 |
| Result | Pakistan Won | By 102 runs |
Namibia Crumbles Against Spin
Namibia’s chase unraveled quickly against Pakistan’s spin attack. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq dismantled the middle order, returning figures of 4/16. Shadab Khan supported with a spell of 3/19. Namibia was bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs, handing Pakistan a massive 102-run victory and confirming their progression to the Super 8 stage.