Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan Shines with Century as Team Sets 212/8 Against Sri Lanka
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kandy, Feb 28 (NationPress): Opener Sahibzada Farhan delivered a remarkable performance, securing his second century of the tournament, while Fakhar Zaman contributed an impressive 84 as Pakistan set a formidable total of 212/8 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka during their final ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s clash at the Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first in a crucial match, the Pakistan cricket team introduced a new opening combination of Farhan and Zaman. This strategy paid off as both players started strongly. Although they began cautiously, they shifted gears by the third over.
Pakistan swiftly reached the 50-run milestone in just 4.4 overs, concluding the powerplay at 64 without losing a wicket, marking their highest powerplay score in the current tournament.
Farhan reached his half-century in a mere 32 balls, achieving a significant milestone in the process. The 29-year-old surpassed Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, needing just 37 runs to exceed Kohli's tally of 319. He accomplished this feat by hitting a boundary off Dasun Shanaka at the start of the sixth over.
Fakhar, playing in only his second match of the tournament, showcased his experience when it was most needed. He began slowly but picked up the pace as the spinners entered the attack, reaching his fifty off just 27 balls with a boundary off Dunith Wellalage in the 12th over.
Sri Lanka finally secured their first wicket in the 16th over when Dushmantha Chameera bowled Fakhar, who scored 84 off just 42 balls, including nine fours and four sixes.
Mohammed Nafay, who replaced Babar Azam in the lineup, was dismissed shortly after, followed by Shadab Khan, who was run out in the 18th over, as Sri Lanka aimed for a late resurgence.
Despite losing partners, Farhan kept his momentum, achieving his century in just 59 balls during the 19th over. He became the first player in the tournament's history to score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.
Farhan was eventually out in the 19th over after scoring 100 off 60 balls, with his innings featuring nine fours and five sixes.
Dilshan Madhushanka was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, ending with figures of 3-33, while Shanaka took two wickets.
Summary of scores:
Pakistan 212/8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madhushanka 3-33, Dasun Shanaka 2-42) against Sri Lanka