Pakistan opened their three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka with a four-wicket victory on Friday, successfully chasing down a target of 182-8. Newly appointed captain Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a commanding 89 off 52 balls, providing the backbone for Pakistan to reach 187-6 in 18.5 overs. Powering the team to 187-6 in just 18.5 overs, sahibzada Farhan played a decisive role in guiding Pakistan to a convincing victory. His impressive stroke play and ability to find the boundary regularly put the opposition bowlers under pressure and helped Pakistan reach the target with seven balls to spare.
Farhan set an aggressive tone early, sharing a 54-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman off just 31 balls. Throughout his innings, the captain smashed 10 boundaries and four sixes. He found a reliable partner in Maaz Sadaqat, who contributed a rapid 50 from only 29 deliveries. Sadaqat’s knock included two sixes and a four in his first four balls against Eshan Malinga, helping the pair forge a pivotal 92-run stand off 53 balls. Smashing 10 fours and four sixes to keep Pakistan firmly on course during the chase, he produced an aggressive batting display. Scoring a quickfire 50 off just 29 deliveries to provide valuable support in the batting line-up, maaz Sadaqat also made a significant contribution. Finding the boundaries regularly and keeping the scoreboard moving with an aggressive approach, he displayed attacking intent throughout his knock.
Sadaqat reached his maiden T20 half-century in 28 balls before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Maheesh Theekshana. Theekshana ended with 2-36, having also clean-bowled Saim Ayub for 8. Dushmantha Chameera reached a milestone of 100 T20 wickets during the match by dismissing Hasan Nawaz, though he struggled early, conceding 32 runs in his first two overs. Farhan eventually fell to a diving catch by Sahan Arachchige, but by then, Pakistan required only three more runs for victory. However, his celebration was short-lived, as he was dismissed on the very next delivery, trapped leg-before-wicket (lbw) by Maheesh Theekshana, who finished with figures of 2-36.
Sri Lanka’s total of 182-8 was anchored by opening batter Lahiru Udara, who struck 11 fours and a six during his 55-ball innings of 91. Udara, making his fifth T20 appearance, reached his half-century off 32 balls and helped his side recover after a shaky start. He contributed a 60-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis and added another 57 runs alongside Dasun Shanaka before falling in the penultimate over.
Naseem Shah, recalled to the squad, spearheaded the Pakistan bowling attack with 3-36. He dismissed Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis for just one run in the opening over. Debutant Mohammad Imran also impressed, taking 2-21 and claiming the wicket of Kamil Mishara, who had struggled in the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman assisted the bowlers by taking three catches.
The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 advantage in the series. The teams are scheduled to return to Rawalpindi for the second and third matches, which will take place on Sunday and Tuesday respectively. Securing a win and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the combined efforts of Farhan and Sadaqat ensured Pakistan completed the chase successfully.
