No high-stakes Super 8 encounter ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistandynamic opener Sahebzada Farhan Put up a performance that will be remembered for years. While Pakistan was struggling to keep its semi-final hopes alive, Farhan rose to the occasion with a breathtaking century against Sri Lanka, sending fans into a frenzy inside the stadium and on social media.
This right-handed batsman scored 100 runs in just 60 balls with the help of nine fours and five skyscraper sixes. His strike rate, above 166, reflects not only aggression but also calculated dominance. This was not just another century โ it was a knock that rewrote the record books and reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in difficult moments.
Surpassing legends and setting new milestones for Sahibzada Farhan
Farhan’s brilliant innings left him behind Virat KohliThe 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 has emerged as the standout batsman of the tournament.
This was his second century in the competition, making him the first player in T20 World Cup history to score two centuries 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 centuries came in different tournaments.
Now Farhan also stands together among the great players of Australia and Pakistan. Matthew HaydenKohli, and Babar Azam Recording four 50-plus scores in the same edition โ a symbol of consistency at the highest level. Notably, only Babar has scored more T20I centuries for Pakistan, with three to his name.
A monumental inauguration stand
Farhan’s talent was perfectly complemented Fakhar ZamanWho scored 84 runs on just 42 balls. The two made a record partnership of 176 runs for the first wicket, which is now the highest opening partnership in the history of T20 World Cup.
By doing so, he surpassed the 175-run partnership between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen at the start of the tournament. For about 15 overs, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept searching for answers as the Pakistani openers dictated the terms with fearless strokeplay.
Sri Lanka’s return and semi-final equation
Despite the huge opening stand, Sri Lanka clawed their way back into the contest. Dilshan Madushanka Impressed with 3 wickets for 33 runs while captain Dasun Shanaka and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera Associated with important successes. Pakistan eventually finished at 212 for 8 โ a strong total, although slightly less than what had once seemed possible.
With the qualification scenario hanging in the balance, Pakistan will need to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to stay ahead of New Zealand on net run rate and make the semi-finals. This equation adds another layer of drama to what has already been an unforgettable evening.
Here’s how fans reacted:
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Sahibzada Farhan left Virat Kohli behind in terms of most runs. #T20WorldCup ๐
Tune in to watch it live, tournament broadcast details โก๏ธ https://t.co/NPykWM7qqY pic.twitter.com/SAeBWpLgaR
โ ICC (@ICC) 28 February 2026
What a performance ๐ฅ๐
Sahibzada Farhan completed his second century #T20WorldCup2026 #SahibzadaFarhan pic.twitter.com/B29yAd8dVLโ CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 28 February 2026
What a world class knock by Sahibzada Farhan. 100 runs on 60 balls ๐๐๐ #T20WorldCup #Tapmad pic.twitter.com/B2hJBIpBcz
– Cricket Queen (@yusraamjad56) 28 February 2026
What is the performance of Sahibzada Farhan?
magnificent century
100 runs on 59 balls.#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5MgATsnayE– Jalal Ahmed Khan (@jalalahmadkh01) 28 February 2026
Two brilliant centuries โ pure class, composure and dominance.
Now the highest individual scorer in a World Cup, this is elite territory.
When Pakistan needed a hero, Farhan stood by.
The backbone, the faith, the heartbeat of the innings. #sahibzada#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gmfmL26fpQ– Mansoor Rana (@mansoorrana205) 28 February 2026
Most runs in a T20WC tournament
383 – in 2026
47 vs NED (Chasing)
73 vs usa
0 vs India (chasing)
100* V NAM
63 vs England
100v sl319 โ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ in 2014
36* vs Pak (chasing)
54 vs West Indies (chasing)
57* vs Bain (chasing)
23 vs australia
72* vs SA (chasingโฆ) pic.twitter.com/vxyAZkPStk– ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ (@Shebas_10dulkar) 28 February 2026
Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) batted brilliantly. @TheRealPCB to 212 v. @OfficialSLC In Pallekele.
Now the responsibility is on the bowlers to perform well.@cricketworldcup #PAKvSL– Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) 28 February 2026
When Pakistan needed 230+, Sahibzada Farhan scored 100 runs in 60 balls and celebrated as if he had secured a place in the semi-finals.
Regardless of merit, the Instagram Story is guaranteed to be the same as last time.
Pakistan cannot defend 148 runs on this pitch unless Sri Lanka has a different plan– Bhavesh Bafna (@fantasy11circle) 28 February 2026
Sahibzada Farhan just broke down
Virat Kohli’s 10 year old record.100 runs on 60 balls in the required match to win.
No Babar Azam. no pressure.
Absolutely pure batting. ๐๐ฅ– Kirtish (@AKirtesh) 28 February 2026
Sahibzada Farhan in this World Cup -:
47, 73, 100, 63, 100,
Against India โ 0(4)Many thanks to Hardik Pandya โค๏ธ๐ pic.twitter.com/trFRFpsBvN
-Rishav (@iamrishav108) 28 February 2026
Most runs in a T20WC tournament
383 – in 2026
47th NED
73 vs usa
0 vs ind
100* V NAM
63 vs England
100v sl319 โ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ in 2014
36* vs pak
54 vs west indies
57* vs ban
23 vs australia
72* vs SA
77 vs sl#ViratKohli #SahibzadaFarhan #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/1vwVlXNXF7โ Anurag (@imAnuragkarnal) 28 February 2026
Also read: Shahid Afridi announces Pakistan’s next captain amid Salman Aga’s struggles in T20 World Cup 2026
