Sahibzada Farhan and Muaz Sadaqat delivered standout batting performances as Pakistan triumphed over Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening Twenty20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan reached 183-6 with seven balls remaining, taking an early lead in the three-match series.
Farhan was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s innings, scoring a commanding 89 runs off 53 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. His innings anchored the chase and ensured Pakistan maintained a steady run rate throughout. Muaz complemented Farhan’s effort with a rapid half-century, reaching 50 off just 28 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes before being dismissed leg-before-wicket by Maheesh Theekshana.
The opening partnership set a positive tone for Pakistan’s chase. Fakhar Zaman was the first to fall, scoring 21 runs before being caught off Eshan Malinga’s bowling at a team total of 54. Farhan and Muaz then accelerated the innings, putting Pakistan in a strong position to chase down the target.
Despite losing wickets at intervals—Hassan Nawaz scoring just one run, Saim Ayub contributing eight, and Shadab Khan departing for a duck—Pakistan maintained momentum. Shadab was caught by Nuwan Thushara off Malinga’s bowling. Pakistan ultimately sealed the victory with six wickets down in the 19th over.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bat first. Lahiru Udara was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring a brilliant 91 runs off 55 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Udara’s innings was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s total of 182-8, as he kept the scoreboard ticking despite regular breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers.
Kamindu Mendis added 23 runs off 18 balls, while Shanaka contributed 18 runs from 15 deliveries. However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup failed to provide significant support to Udara. Sri Lanka’s innings also included 29 extras, with 18 wides and a no-ball, which aided their total but reflected missed opportunities to post a higher score.
Pakistan’s bowling was led by Naseem Shah, who took three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Muhammad Imran Randhawa claimed two wickets for 21 runs, while Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, and Razaullah each took one wicket. Despite Udara’s impressive knock, Pakistan’s strong batting display ensured the visitors’ efforts were in vain as the hosts secured a crucial win in the series opener. The remaining two matches are scheduled to be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13.
