KARACHI: Following their advancement to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has secured direct qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup 2028, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the eight teams that reach the Super 8 stage of the 2026 edition automatically qualify for the next World Cup.
These teams include Pakistan, India, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and West Indies. Host Australia also qualifies directly.
Additionally, the next three highest-ranked teams in the ICC T20 rankings as of 9 March 2026 will earn direct entry.
Currently, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland are in contention for these spots. The remaining eight teams will be determined through regional qualifiers.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s aggressive opener Sahebzada Farhan has emerged as the highest run-scorer in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 following a spectacular unbeaten century against Namibia.
In the crucial match in Colombo, Pakistan set a challenging target of 200 runs, powered by Farhan’s 100 not out off 58 balls, including 4 sixes and 11 fours.
With this innings, Farhan has scored 220 runs in four matches, surpassing South Africa’s Aiden Markram, who has 178 runs from the same number of games.
Farhan has also become the most prolific six-hitter of the tournament, smashing 11 sixes in four innings, edging out India’s Ishan Kishan, who has 10 sixes in four matches.
His remarkable performances have been instrumental in Pakistan’s dominant campaign, including their 102-run victory over Namibia, which also secured their spot in the Super 8 stage.
Farhan’s consistency and power-hitting make him a standout player in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with fans and analysts hailing him as one of the tournament’s key performers.