Sahibzada Farhan Smashes T20I Record in Rawalpindi
Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan sets a new record for most runs in a three-match T20I series, surpassing India's Abhishek Sharma.
Pakistan's captain Sahibzada Farhan has etched his name into the history books by setting a monumental new record for the most runs scored in a bilateral three-match men's T20I series between two Full Members. Despite a final-match setback for his team, Farhan's relentless batting prowess has placed him at the pinnacle of this elite statistical category.
A Record-Breaking Run Surge
Farhan finished the series with a staggering 238 runs, a feat punctuated by his third consecutive half-century. In the final match held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, he struck a composed 76 runs off just 47 deliveries. This incredible tally allowed him to leapfrog India's Abhishek Sharma, who previously held the record with 229 runs against Afghanistan earlier this year.
The updated list of the highest run-scorers in a three-match T20I series now stands as follows:
- Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan): 238 runs
- Abhishek Sharma (India): 229 runs
- Colin Munro (New Zealand): 223 runs
- David Warner (Australia): 217 runs
- Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan): 204 runs
Sri Lanka Fight Back in Final Clash
While Farhan was busy making history, the match itself saw a dominant display from the visitors. Sri Lanka secured an eight-wicket victory in the third T20I, successfully chasing down Pakistan's total of 168/8. The chase was completed with 17 deliveries to spare, spearheaded by a blistering 87 runs off 47 balls from Kusal Mendis, who was rightfully named Player of the Match.
Despite the loss in the finale, Pakistan walked away as the series winners, having secured dominant victories in the first two encounters on October 9 and October 11.
Captain's Perspective on Form and Consistency
Reflecting on his historic performance, Sahibzada Farhan emphasized the importance of maintaining his current rhythm. "The way we set a superb target in the first two matches, today also we had the same plan, but it's cricket; anything can happen," Farhan remarked. He added that his primary goal is to stay consistent: "When I perform well, I'm even more focused to do well in the next match... I'm looking to make the most of it."
On the other side, Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis attributed their comeback to a complete team effort. "We bowled really well today in the middle period. The fielding was better too, and the batting was excellent," Mendis said, praising the contributions of both himself and Kamindu Mendis in turning the game around.