Key Takeaways
- Sahibzada Farhan scores 89 as Pakistan chase down 182 to win by four wickets.
- Maaz Sadaqat scores his maiden T20I half-century, sharing 92 runs with Farhan.
- Pakistan secure a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sahibzada Farhan, in his first match as Pakistan’s full-time Twenty20 International (T20I) captain, led the team to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-game series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Farhan’s 89-run innings, marked by 10 fours and four sixes in 53 deliveries, was crucial in Pakistan’s pursuit of the 182-run target. His partnership with Maaz Sadaqat, who scored his maiden T20I half-century, was decisive, adding 92 runs for the second wicket.
The hosts made a strong start, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman adding 54 runs for the opening wicket. Fakhar’s 21-ball 21, featuring four boundaries, helped Pakistan race to 70-1 by the end of the powerplay.
Maaz Sadaqat, who took advantage of loose deliveries, reached his maiden T20I fifty off 21 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes. His innings gave Pakistan control of the chase, with the team crossing the 100-run mark in the 10th over.
Farhan’s innings continued to be aggressive, with him sweeping Maheesh Theekshana for six in the 14th over. However, Theekshana ended Maaz’s 29-ball knock of 50 by trapping him leg-before, leaving Pakistan at 146-2.
Despite losing wickets, Farhan remained the key to the chase. After two quieter overs, he attacked Nuwan Thushara in the 18th, striking a boundary through square leg before launching a low full toss over extra cover for six. His innings ended at 89 when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige in the deep off the next delivery.
Shadab Khan fell for a duck, caught off Eshan Malinga, but Khawaja Nafay ensured there was no late drama. He finished unbeaten on 12 off seven balls, including a six over long-on, as Pakistan reached their target in 18.5 overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 182-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Lahiru Udara anchored the innings through a superb 91 off 55 balls, striking 11 fours and a six. The batter’s innings brought Sri Lanka from 83-4 after Pakistan’s bowlers had made early inroads.
Naseem Shah removed captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over, while debutant Mohammad Imran dismissed Kamil Mishara for six. Udara then joined Kamindu Mendis in a counterattack that brought 60 runs for the third wicket.
