Pakistan secured a 1-0 lead in their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka following a four-wicket triumph in the opening clash at Rawalpindi. The hosts successfully chased down a target of 183, reaching 187/6 with seven balls to spare. The foundation of the win was built on explosive half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, which ultimately rendered Lahiru Udara’s resilient 91-run knock for the visitors ineffective.
Sri Lanka, batting first, reached 182/8 in their 20 overs. Lahiru Udara anchored the innings with a 55-ball 91, featuring 11 boundaries and a lone six. Despite his efforts, support was limited, with Kamindu Mendis serving as the next highest contributor at 23 off 18 balls. Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Naseem Shah, who claimed 3-36 despite struggling with control, and Mohammad Imran Randhawa, who picked up 2-21. The Sri Lankan innings saw several extras, including multiple wide deliveries from Naseem, as they pushed to pass the 180-run mark aided by a final-over boundary from Dushmantha Chameera.
Pakistan’s pursuit began aggressively as Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman attacked the seamers. Although Eshan Malinga eventually dismissed Zaman, the partnership provided a solid platform. Sadaqat, arriving at the crease in fine form, maintained the momentum with a series of boundaries and no-look sixes, helping Pakistan reach 70/1 by the end of the Powerplay. The duo continued to dominate, pushing the team past 100 runs inside 10 overs. Sadaqat reached his 29-ball 50, while Farhan anchored the chase, eventually completing a 33-ball fifty as they comfortably navigated the middle overs. Thanks to Farhan’s 53-ball 89 (10 fours, 4 sixes) and a 29-ball 50 (with 4 fours and 3 sixes) from Sadaqat, pakistan surpassed Sri Lanka’s total with an over and a delivery to spare. With Farhan and Zaman scoring three fours between them in the fifth over to bring up a brisk half-century stand, an economical over from Eshan Malinga was followed by another expensive over from Chameera. The partnership was ended by Malinga who got Zaman top-edging a cut. Sadaqat, fresh off two hundreds in the CPL, signalled his intent with a no-look six, followed by another maximum and a four, as he powered Pakistan to 70 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay. Going over long on off Dunith Wellalage, before Farhan reached a 33-ball fifty in the same over, sadaqat struck his third six. Before Farhan struck a six and two fours off Maheesh Theekshana to extend the partnership into the 90s, a 28-ball half-century for Sadaqat followed.
The game saw a brief stutter when Sadaqat was dismissed lbw by Maheesh Theekshana, and Chameera removed Hasan Nawaz to record his 100th T20I wicket. With 24 runs required off 24 balls, Theekshana managed to squeeze out the wicket of Saim Ayub, tightening the pressure. However, Farhan continued to find gaps, and following his dismissal by Nuwan Thushara, Khawaja Nafay ensured the victory with a vital six after Eshan Malinga briefly threatened with the scalp of Shadab Khan. Having moved to 156 for 3 after 15 overs, needing only 27 more, chameera then bagged his 100th T20I wicket by having Hasan Nawaz caught down the leg-side but Pakistan were in pole position.
The match was characterized by contrasting fortunes: Sri Lanka struggled for partnerships, with Udara losing partners regularly, including Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, and Maheesh Theekshana. While Udara managed to accelerate late, particularly by attacking Razaullah in the 15th over, Pakistan’s batting depth proved superior. Final scores reflected the chase: Sri Lanka posted 182/8, while Pakistan finished on 187/6. Pakistan will take this momentum into the remainder of the series as they look to capitalize on their opening win.
