Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman recorded a 176-run stand, the highest partnership in T20 World Cup history
Fakhar scored 84, while Farhan smashed a match-defining century
Pakistan posted 214/3, strengthening their semifinal qualification hopes
Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman scripted history during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, registering the highest opening partnership in men’s T20 World Cup history. The pair delivered a commanding performance in a must-win encounter, putting Pakistan in complete control after being asked to bat first.
Under intense qualification pressure, the Pakistani openers responded with fearless intent from the outset. Farhan and Fakhar combined aggression with smart strike rotation, steadily dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Their stand surpassed the previous record held by New Zealand’s Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, who had added an unbeaten 175 earlier in the same tournament against UAE.
Also Check: Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka Live Score
Highest partnerships in T20 WC (any wicket)
176 - Sahibzada Farhan & Fakhar Zman (PAK) vs SL, Pallekele, 2026*
175* - Tim Seifert & Finn Allen (NZ) vs UAE, Chennai, 2026
170* - Jos Buttler & Alex Hales (ENG) vs IND, Adelaide, 2022
168 - Quinton de Kock & Rilee Rossouw (SA) vs BAN, Sydney, 2022
166 - Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara (SL) vs WI, Barbados, 2010
154 - Ibrahim Zadran & Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) vs UGA, Providence 2024
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman break all-time T20 World Cup partnership record
The historic partnership reached 176 runs, setting a new benchmark for the highest stand in T20 World Cup history before it was finally broken in the 16th over. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a brilliant 84 off 45 balls, bowled by Dushmantha Chameera, bringing an end to one of Pakistan’s most dominant opening efforts in ICC tournament history.
Farhan, however, carried on and completed a magnificent century, anchoring the innings while maintaining attacking momentum throughout. The duo had earlier raced to 64 runs in the PowerPlay, laying the perfect platform. Their ability to accelerate through middle overs without losing wickets proved decisive, especially in a game where Pakistan required a massive total to boost their net run rate.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: First innings report
Pakistan finished their innings at a commanding 214/3 in 20 overs, largely built on the historic opening stand. Farhan remained the standout performer, scoring 100 runs, while Fakhar’s aggressive 84 ensured Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark comfortably. After the opening breakthrough, the middle order capitalised on the platform, adding quick runs in the final overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled for control, with Chameera emerging as the lone bright spot after breaking the partnership. However, the damage had already been done as Pakistan maintained a scoring rate above ten runs per over for most of the innings.
