In a thrilling display of power-hitting, Fakhar Zaman etched his name in the record books on Saturday by breaking Mohammad Rizwan’s longstanding record for the most sixes hit by a Pakistani batter in T20 internationals. This milestone was achieved during the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, in a crucial clash against Sri Lanka. Fakhar’s record-breaking six came off the bowling of spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the third over of Pakistan’s innings, a towering strike that not only energized the team but also marked a significant personal achievement.
Before Fakhar’s feat, Mohammad Rizwan held the record with 95 sixes, a testament to his consistent aggressive batting over 106 matches. Fakhar, however, has now pushed that number to 99 sixes across 120 matches, firmly establishing himself as Pakistan’s premier six-hitter in the shortest format. This achievement highlights Fakhar’s evolution as a dynamic opener capable of dominating bowlers from the very start.
Promoted to open the innings, Fakhar Zaman capitalized on the opportunity by forging a formidable partnership with Sahibzada Farhan. Together, they laid a commanding 176-run platform, effectively neutralizing the Sri Lankan bowling attack and putting Pakistan in a strong position early on. Their combined efforts kept the opposition under constant pressure, allowing Pakistan to dictate the pace of the game.
Fakhar’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled stroke play. He scored 84 runs off just 42 deliveries, striking four sixes and nine fours. His ability to find the boundary consistently kept the scoreboard ticking and lifted the team’s morale. Although Fakhar was eventually dismissed, his contribution was pivotal in setting up Pakistan’s dominant position. At the time of this report, Pakistan stood at 179 for 2 in 16.4 overs, well on track for a competitive total.
It is worth noting that Fakhar Zaman’s record-breaking achievement places him ahead of other Pakistani greats in six-hitting prowess. Babar Azam, with 80 sixes in 145 matches, Mohammad Hafeez with 76 sixes in 119 matches, and Shahid Afridi, who smashed 73 sixes in 98 matches, all trail behind Fakhar’s current tally. This new benchmark not only reflects Fakhar’s individual talent but also signals a shift in Pakistan’s batting approach in T20 cricket, emphasizing power-hitting from the outset.
As the tournament progresses, Fakhar Zaman’s form will be crucial for Pakistan’s ambitions in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His ability to combine aggression with consistency makes him a key player to watch. Meanwhile, fans and cricket analysts alike will be eager to see if Fakhar can extend his record even further and help Pakistan chase the coveted title.
