Sahibzada Farhan Breaks Records as Pakistan Falls Short of T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Sahibzada Farhan delivered a stunning century, but Pakistan’s campaign at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup ended in disappointment, missing out on a semi-final berth despite a five-run victory over Sri Lanka. The match, played on February 28, 2026, saw Pakistan post their highest-ever total in a T20 World Cup, but ultimately fall short on net run-rate.

Record-Breaking Innings from Farhan

Farhan’s blistering 100 off 60 balls, adorned with nine fours and five sixes, propelled Pakistan to a total of 212/8. His performance saw him surpass Virat Kohli’s previous record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383 runs, exceeding Kohli’s 319 from the 2014 tournament. He also became the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup tournament.

Prior to his record-breaking performance, Farhan had already equaled Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and Matthew Hayden for the most fifty-plus scores in a single T20 World Cup edition – a remarkable four.

Zaman’s Explosive Support and Pakistan’s Total

Farhan was ably supported by Fakhar Zaman, who returned to the opening position and smashed 84 runs off 42 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. The duo forged a formidable 176-run opening partnership, setting a new record for the highest opening partnership in T20 World Cup history.

Sri Lanka’s Response and Pakistan’s Elimination

Despite a spirited chase led by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, who remained unbeaten with 76 off 31 balls, Sri Lanka fell short by five runs, finishing on 207/6. Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer to advance based on net run-rate, but Sri Lanka reached the target in 15.5 overs.

New Zealand ultimately secured the second spot in the group with a superior net run-rate of +1.390, compared to Pakistan’s -0.123.

Key Takeaways

• Sahibzada Farhan broke the record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous mark.
• Farhan also became the first player to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup tournament.
• Pakistan’s record-breaking opening partnership of 176 runs was not enough to secure a semi-final spot.
• Sri Lanka’s late surge, spearheaded by Dasun Shanaka, proved insufficient to overhaul Pakistan’s total.
• New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals based on net run-rate.