Ignored by selectors, Pakistan opener equals Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle's record with 4th century in 2025 to stun Babar Azam's side

The in-form Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan scripted history at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 14 as he scored his fourth T20 century of the calendar year. The Islamabad United opener scored 106 runs from 52 balls against Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi. He joined the elite list of T20 batters who have scored four centuries in a year.

The first to do it was former West Indies opener Chris Gayle in 2011. Five years later, Virat Kohli repeated the feat when he hit four centuries in one Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In 2022, England's T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler hit four centuries. Then, Indian opener Shubman Gill did it in 2023.

Farhan reached his century from just 49 balls, his first of Pakistan Super League (PSL) career. This is the joint-fastest century for Islamabad United in PSL. He equalled Cameron Delport's record.

Big loss for Babar's side despite Haris' whirlwind knock

The 29-year-old hit 13 fours and five sixes in his 52-ball 106. Islamabad United posted 243/5 on the board. In the run chase, Peshawar Zalmi lost early wickets including Saim Ayub and captain Babar. Mohammad Haris was the lone warrior with a 47-ball 87. Peshawar Zalmi were bowled out for 141 in 18.2 overs and lost the game by a huge margin of 102 runs.

ALSO READ: 'I came to the wicket twice, but maybe he...': Ravi Bishnoi reacts to Rishabh Pant not giving him an over against MS Dhoni

Farhan hails Zaman

Farhan credited star Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman for his century. This was the first time he won the 'Player of the match' award in PSL.

"I was in good form in domestic. I would like to credit Fakhar Zaman for this innings, he's always supported me. The credit goes to Islamabad's management. They trusted me, they told me to maximise my potential on my day. I really liked the sixes I hit off Muqeem and the six over mid-wicket off Linde. This award means a lot to me, first Man of the Match award for me in PSL," he said in the post-match presentation.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar slams IPL match referees for fining Digvesh Rathi for second time, wants players to stop copying footballers' celebration

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan lauded Farhan and pointed out that he has been in an out of the Pakistan side.

"Credit goes to Farhan for the hard work he has done behind the scenes. He played in and out for Pakistan but he was always doing the right things. Hopefully, he'll keep doing well," Shadab said.

Farhan's form this year

Farhan's previous three centuries of the year came for Peshawar in Pakistan's National T20 Cup 2025. He scored an unbeaten 114 against Lahore. Then, he registered a record-breaking 162 not out against Quetta. This is the highest T20 score by a Pakistan batter. he followed it up with a 148-run knock against Abbottabad. He was the leading run-scorer of the tournament by a massive margin. He scored 605 runs from seven innings at an average of 121 and strike rate of 189.65.

Farhan's T20I stats

Farhan did not find a place in Pakistan's T20I side. So far, he has played nine T20Is and scored 86 runs. His strike rate is below 100 at the international level. His last T20I appearance was against Zimbabwe in December 2024.