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Sahibzada Farhan on Virat Kohli's Record: "I Don't Look at Stats"

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan stated he does not focus on personal statistics or records, even as he closes in on Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup runs record. He emphasized playing for the team and taking necessary risks in the T20 format. Farhan also expressed confidence facing England's pace bowler Jofra Archer, noting prior experience against him. Pakistan's next match in the Super 8 stage is against England on February 24.

Key Points: Farhan on Kohli's T20 WC Record: Focus on Team, Not Stats

  • Focus on team over personal milestones
  • Downplays pressure of breaking records
  • Confident facing England's Jofra Archer
  • Leading run-getter in 2026 T20 WC
  • Pakistan's Super 8 match vs England upcoming
2 min read

"I don't look at stats": Sahibzada Farhan on breaking Virat Kohli's record of most runs in T20 WC

Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan discusses chasing Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup runs record and his confident approach facing England's Jofra Archer.

"I don't look at the stats, I don't look at records. - Sahibzada Farhan"

Colombo, February 23

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan said he does not focus on the record or statistics and is emphasising his priority in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, saying he is playing for the team rather than chasing milestones.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan's upcoming fixtures against England on Tuesday, Shahibzada addressed questions about Indian batter Virat Kohli's record of 319 runs--the highest in T20 World Cup history--and whether he had personal records in mind or not.

"If you ask me personally, I don't look at the stats, I don't look at records. Even when I perform, people tell me that I have hit so many sixes, played so many strikes, and scored so many runs. So I don't look at the stats. The important thing is that you have to take risks in T20. If you take the pressure of breaking records, the same records are broken; they are made to break. So it is not my focus, but I will try to finish at the top. And for Pakistan, it will be beneficial for Pakistan and Pakistan's name will be made known," Farhan said.

Kohli hammered 319 runs in the 2024 edition. In six matches, the right-handed batter had an astonishing average of 106.33, including four half-centuries. Kohli's 319 is the most by any cricketer in the history of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Shahibzada has notched up 220 runs so far in the 2026 edition and still has at least two matches remaining in the ongoing tournament. The right-handed batter, who is the leading run-getter, has smashed one fifty and one century in five matches at an average of 73.33.

When asked about facing England speedster Jofra Archer, Farhan expressed confidence, dismissing concerns about Archer being a major threat.

"No, it's not a big deal to face Jofra Archer. We have already faced him in Pakistan. We have good bowlers; they also bowl at 145. So it's not a big deal. Yes, as you said, they will definitely have planned it, but I have also planned it. It's not that only he will have plans. So, we will see. It will be a good match," Farhan said.

Pakistan's opening fixture in the Super 8 stage against New Zealand was washed out due to rain in Colombo. The Men in Green will face England on February 24 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
I appreciate the humble approach, but saying facing Jofra Archer is "not a big deal" feels a bit overconfident. Respect your opponent, especially someone of his caliber. Hope his batting does the talking against England!
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Arjun K
Virat's record is iconic for a reason. 319 runs at an average of 106! 😲 Farhan is playing well, but he's still 100 runs short with maybe 2 innings left. The pressure will be immense. Records are indeed made to be broken, but this one is a mountain.
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Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I love this healthy competition. It pushes everyone to be better. Whether he breaks it or not, focusing on winning for Pakistan is the correct priority. May the best team win! 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰
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Karthik V
His numbers are seriously good this tournament. A century and a fifty at a 73+ average is no joke. If Pakistan goes deep into the finals, he might just do it. But first, they have to get past England. That comment about Archer might come back to haunt him.
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Michael C
Interesting mindset. In a stats-driven world, saying you don't look at them is refreshing. It probably frees him up to play his natural game. The match against England is now a must-watch!

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