Sahibzada Farhan eyes The Hundred spot; praises Ayub, Tariq for WC performance

KANDY: Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan has expressed confidence ahead of the team’s upcoming fixtures in Kandy, saying conditions appear favorable for batters despite him not having previously played at the venue.

Farhan said the pitch looks well-suited for stroke play and added that he plans to continue his aggressive approach at the top of the order. “My strike rate is good, and I try to capitalise in the powerplay by hitting the ball wherever I can,” he said.

With the Asia Cup now concluded, Farhan noted that the team’s focus has fully shifted to the Cricket World Cup. “The celebration after the Asia Cup is over. Now it’s about the World Cup, so I’m adopting a different mindset and style,” he said.

Farhan said that senior players in the squad understand the responsibility on their shoulders. “The seniors realise they have to perform in the upcoming matches,” he said, adding that many of them have arrived after participating in five or six recent tournaments and bring valuable experience with them. He expressed confidence that those players, who have delivered in the past, are capable of stepping up again.

Addressing criticism around individual performances, Farhan acknowledged that scrutiny is inevitable. “Even if you’re the top run-scorer, there is criticism. People say the strike rate is a problem or that you don’t take singles,” he said. “We are ready for such criticism.”

Farhan also praised teammates, singling out Saim Ayub as a player who puts opposition sides under pressure. “Saim is the kind of player who makes an impact on the other team,” he said. He added that it is a positive sign that opponents are wary of bowler Usman Tariq, saying, “It’s a good thing that everyone is afraid of Usman Tariq.”

Looking beyond international cricket, Farhan also shared his ambition to feature in England’s franchise competition, The Hundred. “The Hundred is one of the best leagues in the world, and I hope to be picked,” he said.