You won’t believe this: Sahibzada Farhan once made an entire documentary just to prove he could hit Jasprit Bumrah for sixes. Now? He’s just smashed a T20 World Cup century that silenced every doubter.
🔥 Key Takeaways
- Historic knock: Farhan’s unbeaten 100 off 57 balls makes him only the 2nd Pakistani to score a T20 World Cup century
- Underdog story: Went unsold in PSL 2025 auction, then became the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 449 runs
- Record breaker: Since 2025, he’s the ONLY batter worldwide with 5 T20 centuries
- Controversial past: Publicly challenged Babar Azam’s opening position and Pakistan’s selection policy
- Cramps couldn’t stop him: Finished 50-100 in just 20 balls despite severe muscle cramps
The Century That Changed Everything
Here’s the deal: On February 18, 2026, at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club, Farhan did something only one Pakistani had done before in T20 World Cup history.
His idol, Ahmad Shehzad, was the first. Now Farhan joined that elite club with a match-winning 100 not out against Namibia.
But this wasn’t just any century. You’re looking at a knock built on pure grit. Farhan battled severe cramps throughout his innings. He was on his knees between deliveries. Yet he refused to slow down.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Sahibzada Farhan celebrating his century with arms raised | Alt Text: Sahibzada Farhan century celebration T20 World Cup 2026]
The numbers tell the story:
- 100* off 57 balls
- 11 fours and 4 sixes
- First 50: 37 balls
- Second 50: Just 20 balls
That acceleration? That’s world-class batting under pressure.
Ahmad Shehzad’s Emotional Response
But there’s a catch to this story—Farhan’s hero was among the first to congratulate him. Shehzad wrote on X: “A historic century in the T20 World Cup and now the second Pakistani ever to achieve this milestone. I always believed in you and you proved your class to the world.”
Full circle moment? Absolutely.
The Rocky Journey
Let’s be real—Farhan’s career has been anything but smooth. You need to understand where he came from to appreciate where he is now.
His debut in 2018? A disaster. He got stumped without facing a ball off a Glenn Maxwell wide. Talk about bad luck.
In his next game against Australia, he scored 39 off 38 balls opening with Babar Azam. Then? He played nine matches total, got pushed down the order, and faded from the setup.
Here’s what happened next:
The PSL Nightmare
Despite scoring 605 runs in the 2025 National T20 Cup (the most in a single season), Farhan went completely unsold in the PSL 2025 auction.
Can you imagine? Leading run-scorer in domestic cricket, and no franchise wants you.
Islamabad United eventually picked him in the supplementary category. His response? He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 449 runs in 12 innings.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Farhan batting in PSL 2025 | Alt Text: Sahibzada Farhan PSL 2025 leading run scorer]
From Fast Bowler to Opener
Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Farhan didn’t start as a batter.
He told Cricfrenzy: “I started as a fast bowler in tape-ball cricket, but after a disastrous over, my coach asked me to focus on batting.”
One bad over changed his entire career trajectory.
The Bumrah Documentary Story
This is where things get interesting. During the Asia Cup, Farhan hit Jasprit Bumrah—yes, that Bumrah—for three consecutive sixes.
Most players would celebrate and move on. Not Farhan.
He made an entire documentary about the experience. That’s the level of confidence (or audacity) we’re talking about.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Farhan hitting Bumrah for six during Asia Cup | Alt Text: Sahibzada Farhan hits Jasprit Bumrah six Asia Cup]
Why does this matter? Because it shows you exactly who Farhan is: someone who backs himself, documents his victories, and refuses to be intimidated by big names.
Challenging Babar Azam
Now, here’s where Farhan crossed a line that many wouldn’t dare approach.
In 2024, while captaining Pakistan A, he publicly criticized the Pakistan cricket management. His target? The opening positions held by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
His exact words: “I did not get proper chances as an opener. I have the right to play as an opener for Pakistan.”
The Controversy
You don’t challenge established stars like Babar Azam without consequences. But Farhan didn’t back down.
He also picked Ahmad Shehzad over legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara when asked about his batting influences. Bold? Yes. Controversial? Absolutely.
And that gunshot celebration after scoring a fifty against India? That’s pure Farhan—unapologetic and in-your-face.
But here’s the thing: all that talk means nothing without runs. And on February 18, 2026, he delivered when it mattered most.
Match Breakdown: Pakistan vs Namibia
Let’s break down how this century actually unfolded.
Scratchy Start
Pakistan opted to bat first after two changes from their heavy defeat against India. Farhan’s beginning? Cautious.
JJ Smit’s opening over kept him on the back foot. Just three runs. Farhan didn’t even hit a proper boundary until his 25th ball.
But here’s what happened next:
- First boundary came off a misfield at cover
- First authoritative stroke: a four that flew past the keeper after 24 balls
- Back-to-back boundaries off Trumpelmann followed
Powerplay score: 47/1. Not explosive, but solid.
Finding His Groove
The middle overs brought pressure. Namibia’s spinners Willem Myburgh and Bernard Scholtz choked the scoring.
Then Salman Ali Agha broke free, lofting Myburgh straight for the first six. Farhan responded three balls later, clearing mid-wicket twice. Myburgh’s second over went for 22 runs.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Farhan and Salman partnership | Alt Text: Sahibzada Farhan Salman Ali Agha partnership T20 World Cup]
Halfway stage: 85/1.
The Cramps Kick In
Here’s where it gets brutal. Farhan was visibly struggling with cramps. But he refused to slow down.
His fifty came off 37 balls—scratchy but effective. Built on perseverance rather than fluency.
Then came the acceleration:
- Salman departed for 38 (67-run stand)
- Farhan accessed his “fourth gear”
- Hammered Smit over long off, forcing a ball change
- Greeted the new ball with another boundary
The final assault: He raced from 50 to 100 in just 20 balls. On his knees between deliveries, he finally raised his arm in celebration.
Final Tally
Pakistan: 199/3 in 20 overs
- Sahibzada Farhan: 100* (57 balls, 11×4, 4×6)
- Salman Ali Agha: 38
- Shadab Khan: 36* (22 balls)
Namibia: 97 all out
- Shadab Khan: 3/19
- Usman Tariq: 4/16
Result: Pakistan won by 102 runs and cemented their Super Eight spot.
Stats Cheat Sheet: Farhan’s Rise Since 2025
You want proof that Farhan is the real deal? Check these numbers:
📊 Farhan’s 2025-2026 Record
- ✅ 5 T20 centuries (only batter in the world since 2025)
- ✅ 605 runs in 2025 National T20 Cup (single-season record)
- ✅ 449 runs in PSL 2025 (leading run-scorer)
- ✅ 100* in T20 World Cup 2026
- ✅ Strike rate acceleration: 50-100 in 20 balls
This isn’t luck. This is consistent excellence under pressure.
What’s Next for Farhan?
If Pakistan wants to go deep in this tournament, much depends on how Farhan bats at the top.
Since 2025, he’s proven he can score runs anywhere, anytime. The question now: Can he do it against the big teams?
India. Australia. England. South Africa.
Those are the matches that will define his legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many T20 World Cup centuries does Pakistan have?
Pakistan has only 2 T20 World Cup centuries in history: Ahmad Shehzad (first) and Sahibzada Farhan (second, scored against Namibia on Feb 18, 2026).
2. Did Sahibzada Farhan really make a documentary about hitting Bumrah?
Yes. During the Asia Cup, Farhan hit Jasprit Bumrah for three sixes and created an entire documentary about the experience, showcasing his confidence against elite bowlers.
3. Why did Farhan go unsold in PSL 2025 despite domestic success?
Despite scoring 605 runs in the 2025 National T20 Cup (most in a single season), Farhan went unsold in the main PSL auction. Islamabad United later picked him in the supplementary category, where he became the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 449 runs.
The Bottom Line
Farhan’s story isn’t just about a century. It’s about proving everyone wrong.
He went from:
- Unsold PSL pick → Leading run-scorer
- Criticized selector → Validated by performance
- Cramps on the field → Century on the board
You can talk all you want. You can make documentaries. You can challenge the establishment.
But in cricket, only runs matter. And on that humid Colombo afternoon, Sahibzada Farhan answered every question the only way that truly counts.
Now it’s your turn: Do you think Farhan can replicate this performance against top-tier teams like India or Australia in the Super Eight? Drop your predictions in the comments below! 👇
