T20 World Cup 2026: Sahibzada Farhan opens up on chasing Virat Kohli’s iconic world record

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Sahibzada Farhan’s bat is doing the talking in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and it is speaking fluently. The Pakistan opener has emerged as the standout performer of the tournament so far, piling up runs with remarkable consistency. With 220 runs in just four matches at a staggering average of 73, including a commanding century in the group stage, Farhan currently sits at the top of the run-scoring charts. As Pakistan gear up for their high-stakes Super 8 clash against England, expectations from the stylish right-hander have soared to new heights.

Farhan’s purple patch has not only strengthened Pakistan’s campaign but also ignited discussions around a historic record. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, the 26-year-old finds himself within touching distance of an iconic T20 World Cup milestone — a record that has stood tall for over a decade.

The buzz around Farhan is not just about form — it is about history. He is now only 99 runs away from equalling the highest tally ever recorded in a single T20 World Cup edition — 319 runs — set by India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli in 2014. Kohli’s extraordinary 319-run campaign in the 2014 edition remains the benchmark for excellence in the tournament’s history. He also scored 296 runs in the 2022 edition, underlining his dominance on the global stage.

Naturally, the question was posed to Farhan during the pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 encounter against England — is he eyeing Kohli’s 12-year-old record? The response, however, reflected maturity beyond the numbers.

For Farhan, the focus remains firmly on contributing to Pakistan’s success rather than chasing personal milestones. While fans and analysts continue to calculate the numbers, the batter himself appears determined to block out the noise. In a tournament where pressure can define careers, Farhan’s clarity of thought could be Pakistan’s biggest asset.

“I don’t look at stats. Even when I perform, people tell me how many runs I’ve scored. If you start thinking about records, it becomes an added burden. I want to finish well. I want Pakistan to be proud,” Farhan said calmly.

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Despite his prolific run-scoring, not everyone has been entirely convinced. Some critics have pointed towards his strike rate, questioning whether he accelerates quickly enough in the powerplay and middle overs. Addressing these concerns, Farhan offered a balanced perspective on modern T20 batting. His approach reflects situational awareness rather than reckless aggression. Farhan believes in assessing conditions before shifting gears — a method that has clearly worked so far. While T20 cricket often celebrates explosive starts, Farhan’s philosophy revolves around building an innings and finishing strong.

“This is international cricket. You can’t start hitting from ball one every time. You have to read the pitch. If the ball is in my range, I attack. Once I get momentum, I try to take it long so the team can benefit,” added Farhan.

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