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.
