Sahibzada Farhan is making waves in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Pakistan opener is the tournament’s leading run-scorer, accumulating 220 runs in four matches with an impressive average of 73, including a century during the group stage. As Pakistan prepares for a crucial Super 8 match against England, expectations for Farhan are higher than ever.
Farhan’s success has not only bolstered Pakistan’s chances but also sparked conversations about a significant record. As the tournament progresses, the 26-year-old is just 99 runs shy of matching the all-time high for a single T20 World Cup, which is 319 runs, set by India’s Virat Kohli in 2014. Kohli’s performance remains a gold standard, having also scored 296 runs in the 2022 edition.
Sahibzada Farhan on chasing Virat Kohli’s long-standing record in T20 World Cup
The excitement around Farhan is not only due to his form but also the possibility of making history. At a pre-match press conference before Pakistan’s Super 8 clash with England, Farhan was asked if he aimed to break Kohli’s record. His response focused on the team’s success rather than personal achievements.
Farhan emphasized his commitment to helping Pakistan win, rather than fixating on records. While many are tracking the numbers, he prefers to concentrate on his performance. “I don’t look at stats. Even when I perform, people tell me how many runs I’ve scored. If you start thinking about records, it becomes an added burden. I want to finish well. I want Pakistan to be proud,”
he stated calmly.
Farhan on strike-rate concerns despite good form
Despite his strong performance, some critics have raised concerns about his strike rate, questioning whether he accelerates quickly enough during crucial phases. In response to these criticisms, Farhan offered insight into modern T20 batting. He believes in adapting to each situation, rather than playing aggressively at all times. Farhan’s method involves assessing conditions before increasing his scoring rate, which has proven effective so far. While explosive starts are often celebrated in T20 Cricket, his approach focuses on building a solid innings and finishing strong.
“This is International cricket. You can’t start hitting from ball one every time. You have to read the pitch. If the ball is in my range, I attack. Once I get momentum, I try to take it long so the team can benefit,”
he explained.
