A strategic moment during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 match between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans has become a major talking point on social media. Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan was captured on broadcast declining a single to his batting partner, the veteran Australian international Steve Smith, leading fans to draw parallels with a well-known incident involving Babar Azam in BBL earlier this year.
The incident occurred during the powerplay overs at the Gaddafi Stadium, as the Sultans looked to build a platform against the Quetta bowling attack. Avesh Khan Boundary Incident: Rules and Controversy in LSG vs SRH IPL 2026 Explained.
Sahibzada Farhan Declines Steve Smith Single
During the third over of the Multan Sultans’ innings, Steve Smith pushed a delivery towards the off-side and immediately called for a quick single. However, Farhan, who was at the non-strikers end denied the single and gestured Smith to return to his crease.
Smith was seen showing brief frustration before retreating. While such instances of miscommunication are common in T20 cricket, the visual of a younger domestic player turning down a run from one of the modern era’s “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) candidates sparked immediate debate among spectators and digital creators.
‘Revenge Taken’
Sahibzada Farhan has taken revenge on Steve Smith for insulting Bobby in BBL
— Jalal Haider (@jalalbalti) April 5, 2026
Farhan Denies Single
Sahibzada Farhan took revenge on Big Bash League’s King Babar Azam from Steve Smith In the Big Bash League, Steve Smith did not take King Babar Azam’s single on the last ball of the over and today in the PSL, Sahibzada Farhan did not take Steve Smith’s single on the last ball pic.twitter.com/85yfvVv6tB
— king 👑 (@SheikhA52092646) April 6, 2026
‘Single Denied’
Sahibzada Farhan is taking revenge on behalf of Babar Azam. Farhan denied Smith a single.#MultanSultans pic.twitter.com/rQUtNuBISP
— floki (@Unfeel34) April 5, 2026
No Single Taken!
Sahibzada Farhan denied a single to Steve Smith!#psl11 #MSvsQG pic.twitter.com/s7a6Cv8Afm
— Amtyaz Baloch (@Amtyaz86) April 5, 2026
Comparisons to Babar Azam’s BBL Moment
Cricket enthusiasts were quick to link the footage to a similar event from the Big Bash League (BBL). In that instance, it was Smith who famously turned down a single call by his batting partner Babar Azam, which similarly went viral due to the perceived authority taken by the set batter over his teammate.
Fans on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) have noted that Farhan’s decision appeared to be based on a desire to take the strike in the next over.
Tactical Success for Multan Sultans
Despite the brief moment of friction, the partnership proved productive for the Sultans. The duo added 71 runs for the first wicket before Farhan was dismissed in sixth over for well-made 32 off just 14 balls. Smith, on the other hand, played a match-winning knock before being dismissed on 53 off 35 balls. Multan Sultans chased down 167 with five wickets in hand.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 06, 2026 09:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).