PSL 2026: Steve Smith has been in fine form in the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL), powering Multan Sultans to the top of the table after five matches.
But amid the success, a tense on-field moment involving his opening partner Sahibzada Farhan, has taken social media by storm.
During the clash against Quetta Gladiators, drama unfolded on the final ball of an over when Farhan refused a quick single, leaving Smith visibly eager and frustrated to retain strike. The brief exchange quickly ignited chatter online, with fans drawing sharp comparisons to a past flashpoint involving Babar Azam in the Big Bash League, where Smith had once made a similar call to keep the strike for himself.
Sahibzada Farhan has taken revenge on Steve Smith for insulting Bobby in BBL
- Jalal Haider (@jalalbalti) April 5, 2026
🤣🤓 pic.twitter.com/UU8abhSBc4
PSL 2026: Smith-Farhan Moment Sparks Buzz
During Multan Sultans' encounter against Quetta Gladiators, Smith was in sublime touch and eager to keep strike heading into the fourth over. On the final ball of the third over, he nudged the ball and called for a quick single, but Farhan turned it down, leaving the Australian visibly frustrated at the non-striker's end.
The brief exchange quickly gained traction online, with fans recalling a similar situation from the Big Bash League earlier in 2026.
Flashback To Smith-Babar Incident
Back in January, while playing for the Sydney Sixers, Smith had made a comparable decision involving Babar Azam. During the 'Power Surge' phase, Smith denied Babar a single to retain strike, aiming to take advantage of the fielding restrictions.
At the time, Babar was approaching a half-century on 47 off 38 balls and appeared displeased with the call before being dismissed shortly after. Smith then turned the game on its head, hammering 32 runs in the following over, including four consecutive sixes-an explosive burst that became one of the standout moments of the season.
While fans were quick to dub Farhan's decision as "revenge," the two situations were markedly different. Farhan's refusal in the PSL fixture seemed driven by caution, with the single carrying a potential run-out risk. In contrast, Smith's earlier call in the BBL was a calculated tactical move to maximise scoring during a crucial phase.
Smith Anchors Multan's Chase
Despite the brief confusion, Smith maintained his composure and played a match-winning knock, scoring a fluent 53 off 35 deliveries. His innings guided Multan Sultans to a comfortable victory, as they chased down 167 with more than two overs to spare, continuing their strong run in the tournament. With the victory, the Sultans got right at the top of the PSL 2026 table.
