LAHORE: Multan Sultans’ in-form opener Sahibzada Farhan delivered a commanding performance in the Pakistan Super League, crafting a brilliant unbeaten century that not only sealed victory for his side but also elevated him into elite company in T20 cricket.
Facing the Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Farhan showcased exceptional control and power, finishing on 106 from just 57 deliveries. His innings was decorated with a flurry of boundaries, including seven fours and eight towering sixes, underlining his dominance throughout the chase.
This knock marked Farhan’s ninth century in T20 cricket, achieved in 166 matches. With that milestone, he has drawn level with Indian star Virat Kohli in the list of players with the most hundreds in the format. The achievement places him among the leading century-makers in T20 history and brings him within touching distance of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who has registered 11 centuries.
Among other notable names, South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw also sits on nine centuries but has taken significantly more matches to reach the mark. Meanwhile, Australia’s David Warner holds a tally of ten, while the legendary Chris Gayle continues to lead the chart with a staggering 22 T20 hundreds.
Earlier in the contest, Hyderabad Kingsmen put up an imposing total after opting to bat first. The innings was driven by aggressive contributions from Maaz Sadaqat and Sharjeel Khan. Maaz set the tone with a rapid 62 off just 26 balls, while Sharjeel anchored the effort with an unbeaten 51.
Multan’s bowling effort was led by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who picked up two wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz, Peter Siddle, and skipper Ashton Turner chipped in with one each.
In response to the daunting 226-run target, the Sultans produced a composed yet aggressive chase. Farhan led from the front, forming crucial partnerships along the way. Steve Smith added a valuable 46 at the top, while Shan Masood contributed 29 to keep the innings on track.
Towards the end, Farhan found an able partner in Arafat Minhas, whose quickfire 26 not out ensured there were no late hiccups as the Sultans crossed the finish line with eight balls remaining and four wickets in hand.
For the Kingsmen, Saim Ayub claimed two wickets but proved costly, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hassan Khan managed one apiece.
Most centuries in T20 cricket:
- Chris Gayle — 22
- Babar Azam — 11
- David Warner — 10
- Rilee Rossouw — 9
- Virat Kohli — 9
- Sahibzada Farhan — 9
- Abhishek Sharma — 8
- Michael Klinger — 8
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