na high stakes Super 8 horse encounter ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistandynamic opener Sahibzade Farhan presented a performance that will be remembered for years. As Pakistan struggled to keep their semi-final hopes alive, Farhan rose to the occasion with a breathtaking century against Sri Lanka, sending fans into a frenzy both in the stadium and on social media.
The right-hander smashed 100 off just 60 deliveries, completing the boundary with nine fours and five powerful sixes. His strike rate of over 166 reflected not only aggression but also calculated dominance. It wasn’t just a hundred – it was a knock that rewrote the record books and confirmed Pakistan’s belief in tough times.
Surpassing legends and setting new milestones for Sahibzade Farhan
Farhan’s remarkable innings saw him over the top Virat Kohli‘s long-standing record of 319 runs in a T20 World Cup edition set in 2014. With 383 runs in seven matches at an astonishing average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.25, Farhan emerged as the standout winner of the tournament.
It was his second century of the competition, making him the first player in T20 World Cup history to score two hundreds in the same edition. He now shares the overall record for most centuries in T20 World Cup history with West Indies icon Chris Gayle, although Gayle’s tons came in different tournaments.
Between the Australians and the greats of Pakistan, Farhan is now together Matthew HaydenKohli and Babar Azam in recording four 50-plus scores in one edition – a mark of consistency at the highest level. Note that only Babar has scored more T20I centuries for Pakistan, with three to his name.
A monumental opening stand
It complemented Farhan’s brilliance perfectly Fakhar Zamanhe conceded 84 runs off just 42 balls. The duo put together a record partnership of 176 for the first wicket – now the highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history.
In doing so, they surpassed the 175-run stand between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen earlier in the tournament. For about 15 overs, the Sri Lankan bowlers were left searching for answers as the Pakistani bowlers dictated terms with fearless batting.
Sri Lanka’s battle and semi-final tie
Despite a massive opening stand, Sri Lanka clawed their way back into the contest. Dilshan Madushanka While impressed with figures of 3 for 33, Capt Dasun Shanaka and pacer Dushmantha Chameera significant progress has been made. Pakistan eventually finished on 212 for 8 – a strong total, albeit a little short of what once seemed possible.
With the qualification scenarios hanging in the balance, Pakistan need to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to overtake New Zealand in terms of net run rate and book a semi-final spot. The equation adds another layer of drama to an already unforgettable evening.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Why Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam not playing in today’s PAK vs SL Super 8 match
Here’s how the fans reacted:
A
Sahibzade Farhan surpasses Virat Kohli in most runs #T20WorldCup 🙌
Watch it LIVE, ➡️ to see tournament broadcast details https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/SAeBWpLgaR
— ICC (@ICC) February 28, 2026
What a performance 🔥👏
Sahibzade Farhan brings up his second hundred #T20WorldCup2026 #Sahibzade Farhan pic.twitter.com/B29yAd8dVL— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2026
WHAT A WORLD CLASS SAHIBZADE FARHAN IS. 100 DISCOUNT 60 TOPS 💚💚💚 #T20WorldCup #not found pic.twitter.com/B2hJBIpBcz
— Queen of Cricket (@yusraamjad56) February 28, 2026
How is Sahibzade Farhan’s performance?
A wonderful century
100 off 59 balls.#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5MgATsnayE— Jalal Ahmed Khan (@jalalahmadkh01) February 28, 2026
Two magnificent faces – pure class, composure and dominance.
Now the top scorer in a World Cup, this is elite territory.
Farhan stood tall when Pakistan needed a hero.
Back bone, conviction, heartbeat. #Sahibzade#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gmfmL26fpQ— Mansoor Rana (@mansoorrana205) February 28, 2026
Most runs in a T20WC Tournament
383 – In 2026
47 v NED (Prosecution)
73 in the United States
0 v IND (Tracking)
100*v NAM
63 v ENG
100 v SL319 – 2014
36* v PAK (Chase)
54 v WI (Chase)
57* v BAN (Chasing)
23v AUS
72* v SA (Continued… pic.twitter.com/vxyAZkPStk— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 28, 2026
Excellent knock by Sahibzade Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84). @TheRealPCB 212 v @OfficialSLC In Pallekele.
The onus is on the bowlers to deliver.@cricketworldcup #PAKvSL— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) February 28, 2026
When Pakistan needed 230+, Sahibzada Farhan scored a 60-ball 100 and celebrated as they qualified for the semi-finals.
Regardless of specialty, an Instagram story is guaranteed to be the same as last time.
Unless Sri Lanka have different plans, Pakistan cannot defend 148 on this ground— Bhavesh Bafana (@fantasy11circle) February 28, 2026
Sahibzade Farhan just broke
Virat Kohli’s record of 10 years.100 off 60 balls in a sure winning game.
No Baba Azam. No pressure.
Just a clean shot. 🏏🔥— Kirtesh (@AKirtesh) February 28, 2026
Sahibzade Farhan in this World Cup -:
47, 73, 100, 63, 100,
v India – 0(4)All thanks to Hardik Pandya ❤️🐐 pic.twitter.com/trFRFpsBvN
— RISHAV (@iamrishav108) February 28, 2026
Most runs in a T20WC Tournament
383 – In 2026
47 v NED
73 in the United States
0 v IND
100*v NAM
63 v ENG
100 v SL319 – in 2014
36* v PAK
54 v WI
57* v BAN
23v AUS
72* in SA
77 v SL#ViratKohli #sahibzadafarhan #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/1vwVlXNXF7— anurag (@imAnuragkarnal) February 28, 2026
Also READ: Salman Agha names Shahid Afridi as Pakistan’s next captain amid T20 World Cup 2026 challenge
