Sahibzada Farhan made history on March 21 by scoring the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in T20 cricket, smashing 162 runs off 72 balls for Peshawar Region in a National T20 Cup match against Quetta Region at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The 29-year-old opener broke the eight-year-old record previously held by Kamran Akmal, who had scored 150 off 71 balls in 2017 for Lahore Whites.

Farhan’s explosive innings featured 14 fours and 11 sixes, and now stands as the joint third-highest individual score in T20 history, tied with Hamilton Masakadza of Zimbabwe and Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan. The all-time record remains with Chris Gayle, who scored 175 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru*.

Dominant win for Peshawar

Farhan’s record-breaking knock propelled Peshawar to a mammoth 239/1 after being put in to bat. After an early setback with Waqar Ahmed’s dismissal, Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat stabilized the innings. Sadaqat retired hurt after scoring 54 off 38 balls, but Farhan continued his onslaught to guide Peshawar to a massive total.

In reply, Quetta Region crumbled for just 113 in 19.3 overs. Off-spinner Usman Tariq played a key role in the collapse, returning with 4 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs. However, it was Farhan’s knock that sealed the 126-run victory and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Farhan’s performance is now being hailed as one of the finest ever by a Pakistani batter in the shortest format, adding a major milestone to his cricketing journey.

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the fourth T20I against Pakistan, clinching a 115-run victory to take a 3-1 lead in the five-match series on March 23. Choosing to bat first at a lively Christchurch stadium, the Black Caps amassed a formidable 220/6 in their 20 overs.

Finn Allen set the tone with a brisk 50 off 32 balls, smashing boundaries with flair, while Tim Seifert contributed a solid 44, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Captain Michael Bracewell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 46, accelerating late to ensure a daunting total. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf proving expensive despite their efforts to stem the flow of runs.

In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Jacob Duffy emerged as the hero for New Zealand, slicing through the top order with a brilliant 4/20 in his four-over spell. His disciplined line and pace left Pakistan reeling at 105 all out in just 16.2 overs. Mohammad Haris offered brief resistance with a quick 28, but the middle order, including Salman Agha and Shadab Khan, failed to build partnerships, succumbing to New Zealand’s relentless attack. William O’Rourke and Ish Sodhi supported Duffy, each claiming key wickets to seal Pakistan’s fate.

This result marks a sharp turnaround from the previous encounter on Friday, where Pakistan showcased their prowess. Chasing 205, they romped to a 9-wicket victory in 16 overs, led by an unbeaten 120-run stand between Hasan Nawaz and Salman Agha. That win had levelled the series at 1-1, raising hopes of a competitive showdown, but New Zealand’s dominance in the fourth game has shifted the momentum decisively.

The series has highlighted contrasting fortunes. New Zealand’s depth, with contributions from Allen, Bracewell, and Duffy, has outshone Pakistan’s inconsistency. As per reports, the hosts’ ability to adapt to conditions has been key, while Pakistan’s batting frailties were exposed on a bouncy track. With one match remaining, New Zealand are poised to seal the series, while Pakistan will look to salvage pride.

Playing XIs:

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke

Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have made a strategic addition to their squad by signing Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur in preparation for their IPL 2025 season opener against the Delhi Capitals, set for March 24 in Visakhapatnam. Thakur joins LSG as a replacement for the injured left-arm fast bowler Mohsin Khan, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a significant knee injury.

Mohsin sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the end of December 2024. Although he participated in the pre-season training camp, it was confirmed on Sunday that he would not be fit to play in IPL 2025.

LSG’s acquisition of Thakur was officially announced, stating that he was signed from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) at a reserve price of INR 2 crore. With a wealth of experience in the IPL—having participated in 95 matches across five franchises—Thakur is a valuable asset to the squad. His proven track record across all formats of international cricket adds to his appeal.

Last season, Thakur represented the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but he was released before the mega auction held last November due to a lacklustre performance. During that season, he took wickets in just nine matches and scored a mere 21 runs. Despite hopes for a bidding war during the auction in Jeddah, he attracted no bids, not even from former teams, and remained unsold even after being recalled on the second day.

In a parallel development, Thakur turned heads with his impressive Ranji Trophy performance this season, amassing 505 runs and taking 35 wickets in nine matches, which contributed to Mumbai’s title. This outstanding display sparked discussions about his potential selection for the upcoming England Test tour. Although he signed a contract with Essex to play county cricket, Thakur had previously informed the club of his willingness to accept an IPL offer if a franchise needed a replacement player, as noted by ESPNCricinfo.

With Shardul Thakur’s addition, LSG looks more equipped to tackle the challenges ahead in IPL 2025.