Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 183 runs for Pakistan in the first T20 International held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first and finished their 20 overs at 182 for 8.
Lahiru Udara was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring a brilliant 91 runs off 55 balls, which included 11 boundaries and a six. Despite his strong innings, he fell short of a century as Pakistan’s bowlers managed to take wickets at regular intervals to keep the total in check.
Supporting Udara, Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 runs from 18 deliveries, while captain Dasun Shanaka added 18 runs off 15 balls. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to make significant impacts, allowing Pakistan to restrict Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
On the bowling front, Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah was the most successful, taking three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Muhammad Imran Randhawa took two wickets conceding 21 runs, while Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, and Razaullah each claimed one wicket.
Sri Lanka also gained an advantage from 29 extras, which included 18 wides and a no-ball, adding to Pakistan’s bowling challenges during the innings.
Pakistan now faces the task of chasing 183 runs within 20 overs to secure victory in the opening match of this three-game T20 series. The remaining two matches are scheduled to be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13.
