DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: A disciplined and collective bowling performance led by spinners Abrar Ahmed and left-arm seamer Mohammad Salman Mirza propelled Pakistan to a commanding position after skittling hosts Sri Lanka for a below-par 128 in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
Electing to field first, captain Salman Ali Agha saw his decision vindicated as his attack dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order in 19.2 overs, setting up a modest chase for the visitors in the three-match series opener.
Sri Lanka’s top-order collapse
The home team’s innings never gained momentum, crumbling early under Pakistani pressure. Openers Kamil Mishara (0) and Pathum Nissanka were dismissed inside the powerplay, leaving the score at a precarious 15/2.
A brief 22-run partnership between Kusal Mendis (14) and the returning Dhananjaya de Silva (10) offered minor resistance before both fell in quick succession. By the 7th over, Sri Lanka were reeling at 38/4.
Liyanage’s lone fight goes in vain
Batting at number six, Janith Liyanage staged a solitary fightback with a gutsy 40 off 31 balls, featuring two fours and a six.
He anchored two crucial 18-run stands with Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, providing the only period of stability in the innings.
His resistance ended in the 18th over when he was clean bowled by leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, effectively ending Sri Lanka’s hopes of a competitive total.
Mirza, Abrar lead final assault
The collapse accelerated in the death overs. Salman Mirza struck twice in the penultimate over, removing captain Dasun Shanaka (12) and tailender Dushmantha Chameera (0).
Pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr. wrapped up the innings on the second ball of the final over, having Maheesh Theekshana caught behind.
Bowling figures highlight team effort
The wickets were shared effectively across the Pakistani attack.
Abrar Ahmed (3 wickets) and Salman Mirza (3 wickets) were the chief destroyers, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. claimed two scalps each.
Pakistan now requires 129 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series, with their batting lineup expected to begin the chase shortly under lights.
