Captain Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat smashed half-centuries as Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s 182-run target with four wickets remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Captain Sahibzada Farhan delivered a match-winning performance with an explosive 89 off 53 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
Chasing a target of 183 runs, Pakistan reached 183-6 with seven balls remaining. The second T20I will take place at the same venue on Sunday, October 11.
Pakistan started the chase aggressively as Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 54 runs for the opening wicket in just five overs. Zaman scored 21 off 13 deliveries before Eshan Malinga dismissed him in the sixth over.
Maaz Sadaqat joined Farhan and maintained the scoring momentum. The pair built a crucial 92-run partnership for the second wicket, with both batters registering half-centuries. Sadaqat contributed 50 from 29 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, before Maheesh Theekshana removed him.
Pakistan subsequently lost Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub in quick succession, increasing the pressure on the hosts. Farhan, however, continued attacking and scored 89 runs, including 10 fours and four sixes, before falling to Nuwan Thushara in the 18th over.
Shadab Khan was dismissed without scoring, but Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 and sealed the victory with a six. Theekshana and Malinga claimed two wickets each for Sri Lanka.
Udara’s 91 Helps Sri Lanka Post 182
Earlier, Sri Lanka scored 182-8 in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Opener Lahiru Udara led the innings with an impressive 91 off 55 deliveries, striking 11 fours and one six.
Sri Lanka struggled initially, losing Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara early. Udara then combined with Kamindu Mendis for a 60-run stand before Saim Ayub dismissed Kamindu for 23.
Dasun Shanaka contributed 18 from 15 balls and shared a 57-run partnership with Udara off just 28 deliveries, helping Sri Lanka recover.
Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah finished as the leading wicket-taker with three wickets for 36 runs. Debutant Muhammad Imran claimed two wickets, while Ayub, Shadab and Razaullah took one each.
Farhan’s outstanding innings ultimately proved decisive, giving Pakistan an early advantage in the T20I series.