Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan became the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 2014 tally of 319 runs during the Super Eight clash against Sri Lanka.
Farhan went past Kohli’s record with a boundary taking him to 40, marking his achievement, while his prolific tournament form has made him Pakistan’s most reliable run-getter this competition.
He has scored three half-centuries against the USA, England, and Sri Lanka, along with a century against Namibia, maintaining a strike rate above 158, significantly higher than Kohli’s 129.14 in 2014.
Farhan is also the second-most prolific six-hitter in the tournament with 16 maximums, just behind Shimron Hetmyer’s 17, adding explosive power to Pakistan’s batting as they aim for a big total.
Pakistan require a victory margin of around 65 runs to qualify for the semi-finals, needing to overcome New Zealand’s superior net run rate for progression into the knockout stage.
The game is a dead rubber for Sri Lanka, eliminated after losing to New Zealand, while Pakistan gained hope following England’s win against New Zealand in Colombo the previous night.
Pakistan started strongly as Farhan and Fakhar Zaman combined for a rapid century stand after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl at Pallekele on Saturday.
Should Pakistan secure qualification, their semi-final would be played in Colombo against the current top team of the other group, presently held by South Africa, to determine the finalist matchup.
| Rank | Player | Country | Runs | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sahibzada Farhan | Pakistan | 323 | 2026 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 319 | 2014 |
| 3 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 317 | 2009 |
| 4 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 303 | 2021 |
| 5 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 302 | 2010 |
