Maaz Sadaqat smashes 96 off 51 balls as Pakistan take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series in Rawalpindi.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan sealed their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a comprehensive 82-run victory in the second match, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with one game remaining.
Batting first, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 215, powered by a match-winning innings from Maaz Sadaqat and another half-century from captain Sahibzada Farhan. Sadaqat struck 96 off just 51 deliveries, providing the difference between a competitive total and a commanding score.
Pakistan’s aggressive batting approach put Sri Lanka under pressure after the visitors had made a reasonable start with the ball. However, they struggled to contain Sadaqat and Farhan, conceding too many runs as the innings progressed.
In reply, Sri Lanka failed to build a sustained batting partnership and were bowled out well short of the target. Maheesh Theekshana top-scored with an unbeaten 32, while Sineth Jayawardena, Kamindu Mendis and Chamindu Wickramasinghe made starts without converting them into substantial innings.
Lahiru Udara, who had produced a notable performance in the previous match, was dismissed early, exposing Sri Lanka’s continuing batting concerns.
Salman Mirza provided Pakistan with an early breakthrough before Mohammad Imran delivered a decisive spell, taking three wickets to derail Sri Lanka’s chase. Pakistan then managed the remainder of the innings effectively to complete a convincing win.
Sadaqat shines as Farhan praises team approach
Sadaqat was named Player of the Match for his explosive 96. During the presentation, he thanked the Almighty for his current form and explained that he focuses on watching each delivery carefully before choosing his shots.
He also highlighted his communication with Farhan, saying the pair regularly discuss pitch conditions and the movement of the ball during their partnership. He credited the captain’s guidance from the other end with helping him perform better.
Farhan said he initially believed Pakistan could reach 200 runs. Although the early loss of a wicket briefly made him nervous, he grew confident once the innings regained momentum.
The captain praised Sadaqat’s outstanding form and expressed hope that the batter would continue to improve in upcoming fixtures. He also credited Pakistan’s aggressive collective mindset for allowing batters to play freely and keep finding the boundary.
Farhan said he wanted to finish the series with another victory in the final match.
Mendis admits Sri Lanka’s shortcomings
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis acknowledged that the batting unit, including himself, needed to take greater responsibility, particularly on a pitch he considered good for batting.
Mendis praised his pacers for their performance during the Powerplay but said dropped catches proved costly. He added that the bowlers had performed reasonably well overall but needed to correct their mistakes in the middle overs.
The Sri Lankan skipper also admitted that the team’s fielding had fallen below its usual standards during the first two matches, while expressing confidence that the side would recover.
Final T20I on Tuesday
Pakistan will look to complete a clean sweep when the teams meet in the third and final T20I in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, October 13. The match is scheduled to begin at 1pm GMT.
The series victory provides a confidence boost to Pakistan’s relatively inexperienced T20I squad following its silver-medal finish at the Asian Games. Sadaqat’s batting form, Farhan’s leadership and Imran’s impact with the ball have been among the key positives for the hosts.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to address their batting and fielding shortcomings before the final match and make improvements ahead of the upcoming ODI tri-series.