While Multan Sultans comprehensively defeated Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2026 match 13, it was an incident between Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith which captured everyone's attention the most.
Farhan and Smith put on an exhibition of explosive batting in their chase of 167 and the Gladiators were completely put under pressure as the pair smashed 71 runs in five overs with Smith going on to 35* off 12 balls early in the innings.
However, one particular moment took the internet by storm. The last ball of an over was hit to the pads by Smith and he attempted to steal a single but Farhan turned him down sharply and refused to let Smith take strike.
Although, the moment seemed pretty standard for a cricket game but the fans on social media felt differently about the incident.
Fans drew comparisons with Babar Azam's instance
A few Pakistani fans saw the incident as "revenge" for an incident between Babar Azam and Steve Smith during BBL 2025-26. Earlier, during a big chase Babar was denied a single by Smith.
Babar and Smith had scored 141 runs together off 12 overs and it was Babar who was playing slowly at the end of the partnership having played 39 balls to score 47. On the second to last ball of the over, Babar tried to steal a single but was refused by Smith who kept the strike.
watch here :
Post that incident Smith unleashed havoc on the bowling attack smashing four sixes and a boundary to reach a 41-ball century. However, the next ball Babar got out.
Social media users reacted with: "Sahibzada Farhan has taken revenge on Steve Smith for insulting Bobby in BBL"
Also Read | 'Mentally Disturbing': R Ashwin Opens Up on Painful CSK Exit After IPL 2025
Was Farhan's decision tactical or sentimental?
Despite the fans gushing over the 'revenge' theory, the incident was more tactical than anything else. Smith was already going at a rapid pace and controlling the strike rotation at that stage was logical for Farhan.
Moreover, Smith had already been scoring fluently as he continued to strike the ball well with Farhan. Shan Masood anchored the innings beautifully after the blazing partnership and guided the Sultans to a victory with two overs and three balls to spare.
The little moment between Farhan and Smith turned into a heated debate online and the incident was a perfect demonstration of how quickly the fans get involved and compare on-field actions to past instances. It was a typical small cricket moment that became a social media talking point.
-
Do you also feel nervous before sending a message? Know what is texting anxiety and ways to avoid it
-
Best Flour For Summer: Barley, Jowar, Ragi… Eat rotis made from these flours in summer to keep the stomach cool.
-
Ancient Chinese ‘hair blackening’ herb may fight balding naturally
-
Who is Dr. Maneka Guruswamy? Who became India’s first LGBTQ+ MP, know about her..
-
Raghav Chadha’s big revelation: ‘I will become PM one day’, Arvind Kejriwal shocked
