T20 World Cup: Pakistan qualify for semis with convincing win over Namibia

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Pakistan have registered a convincing 45-run win over Namibia in Abu Dhabi and became the first side to qualify for the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The Men in Green restricted Namibia to 144/5 after skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan starred with the bat, leading Pakistan to 189/2 in 20 overs. 

 

4⃣ in 4⃣

Pakistan qualify for semis with convincing win over Namibia 👏🇵🇰

Scorecard: https://t.co/XViqi8pqvs#PAKvNAM #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gpfrFbVTGG

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) November 2, 2021

 

Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted to bat first as he wanted to test his batters. Remember, Men in Green won the first three games of the competition while chasing.

Namibia kept Pakistan openers quiet early with tight lines and lengths. Babar was finding boundaries regularly but Mohammad Rizwan was unable to find his groove. The duo managed to put up 29 in powerplay while the score was 59 after ten overs.

It was about time that both the batters put bowlers under pressure and they were all over Namibia. In the process, Babar registered his third half-century of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Babar and Rizwan completed yet another 100-run stand and became the only pair to have five century stands in T20Is.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are among the top run scorers of the ongoing #T20WorldCup! #PAKvNAM pic.twitter.com/2XYh1rPgJn

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) November 2, 2021

The 27-year-old Babar was dismissed by veteran all-rounder David Wiese in the 15th over. He scored 70 off 49 balls, powered by seven fours. 

After Babar's dismissal, Fakhar Zaman (5) soon fell to Jan Frylinck in the following over.

Mohammad Hafeez paired with Rizwan in the middle and the duo ended the proceedings in a blistering way. Rizwan hit 24 runs in the last over and remained unbeaten on 79 off 50 balls. He smacked eights fours and a quartet of sixes.

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On the other hand, Hafeez made 32 off just 16 balls where he hit five fours.

In return, Hasan Ali struck in his first over as he rattled Michael van Lingen's stumps. He scored only four.

Namibia made slow progress after the first dismissal. Stephan Baard and Craig Williams put up a 47-run stand but Haris Rauf ran out Baard with a brilliant piece of fielding after he had made 29 in as many balls.

Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus joined Williams and played few big shots as the run rate was creeping high. He fell to Imad Wasim while trying to play over the cover after making 15 off 10 balls.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan ended his spell with a wicket of Williams, who played a knock of 40 in 37 balls. He stroked five fours and a six.

David Wiese was very moderate at the start of his knock but played some strokes at the backend. He scored 43 off 30 balls and remained not out. 

Pakistan restricted Namibia to 144/5 in 20 overs.

Rizwan was awarded Player of the Match for playing a superb knock of 79 not out.

The Men in Green will play their last group match against Scotland on October 7 in Sharjah.