KEY POINTS
- Sahibzada Farhan’s quickfire 51 anchored Pakistan’s successful chase.
- Spinners Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza starred with three wickets each.
- Pakistan secured convincing six-wicket win with 20 balls to spare.
DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: A dominant all-round performance propelled Pakistan to a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
The win was set up by a disciplined bowling effort and sealed by a brisk half-century from opener Sahibzada Farhan.
Bowlers set the stage
After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan’s bowlers vindicated captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision by dismantling the hosts for a below-par 128 in 19.2 overs.
Spinners Abrar Ahmed (3 wickets) and Salman Mirza (3 wickets) were the chief wreckers, ably supported by Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. with two scalps each.
Sri Lanka’s innings never recovered from an early top-order collapse, slumping to 38/4 inside seven overs.
A valiant lone fight from Janith Liyanage, who top-scored with 40 off 31 balls, provided the only resistance as the home side failed to post a competitive total.
Farhan leads the chase with flair
Chasing a modest 129, Pakistan’s pursuit was anchored by a confident Sahibzada Farhan.
The right-handed opener struck a quickfire 51 off 36 balls, decorated with four boundaries and two sixes, laying a solid foundation for the chase.
He was well-supported by Saim Ayub (24 off 18) at the top, with the pair adding a blistering 59-run opening stand inside the powerplay.
Despite losing a few quick wickets in the middle overs, the target was never in doubt.
Composed finish seals the deal
With the score at 101/3 after Farhan’s dismissal, a brief stutter saw Fakhar Zaman depart cheaply.
However, the experienced duo of Shadab Khan (18 off 12)* and wicketkeeper Usman Khan (7 off 13)* guided the team home with an unbroken 23-run partnership, reaching the target in just 16.4 overs.
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, including Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dhananjaya de Silva, could only manage a wicket each as Pakistan’s batters controlled the chase throughout.
The victory gives Pakistan early momentum in the series. The two sides will meet again at the same venue on Friday for the second T20I, where Sri Lanka will look to level the series.
