Sahibzada Farhan and Virat Kohli - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan scripted history as he went past Virat Kohli to score most runs in a single edition of T20 World Cup. The former India captain scored 319 runs in 2014 edition and held the prestigious record for 12 years.
Before the Sri Lanka match, Farhan required 37 runs to go past Virat and the right-handed opener scored a quickire 40 off 25 deliveries. He scored these runs under pressure when his side required him to bat aggressively.
Sahibzada Farhan With Most Runs In A Single T20 World Cup
Sahibzada Farhan is having a wonderful edition as the right handed batter has 320+ runs in six innings, averaging 78.25. Notably, in this World Cup, the opener has a century and two fifty-plus scores. Meanwhile, here is the complete list of most runs in a single edition of T20 World Cup.
- 323* - Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan (2026)
- 319 - Virat Kohli, India (2014)
- 317 - Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sri Lanka (2009)
- 303 - Babar Azam, Pakistan (2021)
- 302 - Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka (2010)
Sahibzada Farhan Goes Past Babar Azam For Special Feat
Not just Virat Kohli, but Sahibzada Farhan also shattered Babar Azam's feat for most runs by a Pakistani batter in a single edition of T20 World Cup 2026. Babar, who is not playing today's game, amassed 303 runs in 2021 edition.
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Farhan crossed the feat after he breached the 20-run figure against Sri Lanka. Notably, Farhan has been heads and shoulder above the rest, which is why the hopes of an entire nation is rested on the opener's shoulder.
For the do-or-die game, Pakistan made a few changes and got Farhan to open with Fakhar Zaman. The gamble worked as the Men in Green stitched a 80-runs opening stand. Also, it is worth noting that after crossing Virat Kohli's feat, Sahibzada didn't celebrate because he knew that the biggest priority is to help Pakistan qualify for the semis.
What Is Pakistan's Qualification Scenario For T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals?
Before the start of the match, the message was simple for Pakistan, which was they had just two scenarios.
- If Pakistan bats first, they need to win the game by a margin of 65 runs. For example, if the team scores 150, then Pakistan has to restrict the Lankan Lions to 85 runs.
- If Pakistan bats second, then whatever Sri Lanka posts, the Men in Green has to chase it down inside 13 overs.
Now since Pakistan are batting first, they are going all guns blazing so that they can post big totals and restrict Sri Lanka to a lower total. Notably, whatever runs Pakistan put on the total, they have to beat the Island Nation by a margin of 65 runs to qualify and book a meeting with South Africa in the semis.
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