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Sahibzada Farhan breaks T20 record as Peshawar reach National T20 Cup final

Sahibzada Farhan breaks T20 record as Peshawar reach National T20 Cup final

Express Tribune27-03-2025

Sahibzada Farhan's record-breaking century and a disciplined bowling display powered Peshawar into the final of the National T20 Cup after a 56-run victory over Abbottabad in the first semifinal at Iqbal Stadium on Wednesday.
Farhan smashed 148 off 72 balls, including 10 fours and 12 sixes, setting the platform for Peshawar's imposing 243/3.
With this innings, he became the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the National T20 Cup, amassing 588 runs in just six innings.
He surpassed his own previous record of 492 runs in 12 innings last season and equalled Fakhar Zaman's Pakistan record of 588 runs in a single T20 tournament, set in PSL 2022.
Waqar Ahmed contributed 34 off 27, Maaz Sadaqat added a quick 31 off 17, and Muhammad Amir Barki provided late fireworks with 20 off five. Abbottabad's bowlers struggled, with Shahab Khan, Yasir Shah, and Ahmed Khan taking one wicket each.
Farhan's innings, widely praised for his power hitting abilities, was his 3rd 100 of the 2025 National T20 Cup.
Chasing 244, Abbottabad's Shahzaib Khan led the effort with 53 off 43, while Sajjad Ali Hashmi struck 37 off 22. Afaq Ahmed (14) and Khayam Khan (13) played quick cameos, but the middle order faltered.
Late resistance from Khalid Usman (17) and Shahab Khan (32*) helped Abbottabad finish at 187/8.
Peshawar's bowling unit, led by Usman Tariq, Mohammad Imran Jr., Israrullah, and Iftikhar Ahmed, shared two wickets each, securing a dominant victory and a place in the final.

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LAHORE: Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris registered the fastest and second fastest T20I centuries for Pakistan in a space of 72 days showcasing their belligerent batting at the international stage. Hasan's scintillating 44-ball century came just in his third T20I outing at Auckland's Eden Park on 21st March, while wicketkeeper-batter Haris brought up his ton off 45 balls against Bangladesh in the final T20I of the three-match series on 1st June in Lahore. In the game against New Zealand, both opened the batting and amassed 74 runs off 5.5 overs, the highest-ever Power play for Pakistan in T20Is bettering a nine-year record of 73 runs against England in Manchester. The duo also contributed a combined 300 runs from 150 balls while batting in the top four during the series sweep over Bangladesh. Hasan has so far faced 118 balls in Pakistan colours making 227 runs with 16 fours and as many maximums. 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