ICC T20 WC 2026: Sahibzada Farhan shatters King Kohli’s 12-Year T20 WC record

Sahibzada Farhan has etched his name into T20 World Cup folklore with a record-breaking performance that stunned the cricketing world. In a high-stakes Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, the Pakistan opener surpassed Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the most runs in a single ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, setting a new benchmark with remarkable authority.

Record Rewritten in Style

Virat Kohli’s tally of 319 runs in the 2014 edition had stood untouched for twelve years. Entering the contest needing just 37 runs to eclipse the mark, Farhan wasted little time. A boundary off Dasun Shanaka in the sixth over took him past the milestone. He did not stop there, powering his way to an unbeaten 338, redefining excellence on the biggest T20 stage.

Backbone of Pakistan’s Campaign

Farhan’s consistency has been central to Pakistan’s impressive run in the 2026 tournament. He struck a commanding century against Namibia, followed it up with a resilient fifty against England, and has maintained a strike rate above 155 throughout the campaign.

He blazed 73 off 41 balls against the USA at a strike rate of 178.04, hammering five sixes. Though he fell short against India, he bounced back strongly with an unbeaten ton against Namibia. His 63 off 45 balls versus England came in a losing cause despite a valiant effort.

A New T20 Star Emerges

As Pakistan eyes a semifinal berth, Farhan’s red-hot form remains their biggest strength. Records may eventually fall, but the manner in which he surpassed Kohli’s feat signals the arrival of a new T20 powerhouse for Pakistan cricket.