RAWALPINDI: Sri Lankan opener Lahiru Udara struck a gutsy 91 off 55 balls to help his side post a competitive 182 for eight against Pakistan in the opening match of their three-match Twenty20 International series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
🔥 Lahiru Udara powers Sri Lanka to 182! 🇱🇰
Udara’s blistering 91 off 55 balls takes Sri Lanka to a competitive total in the 1st T20I, leaving Pakistan with a challenging chase on home soil. 🏏🇵🇰 https://t.co/uYyOUFSLxg
— PakPassion (@PakPassion) October 9, 2026
Udara anchored the innings after Sri Lanka lost two early wickets, combining attacking strokeplay with crucial partnerships to keep the visitors on course for a challenging total.
Udara leads Sri Lanka’s recovery
Sri Lanka endured a shaky start after Pakistan won early breakthroughs. Captain Kusal Mendis fell for one in the opening over, while debutant Muhammad Imran dismissed Kamil Mishara for six in the fourth over, leaving the visitors struggling at 18 for two.
Udara then joined Kamindu Mendis to rebuild the innings, with the pair adding 60 runs for the third wicket. Saim Ayub broke the partnership in the 10th over, removing Kamindu for 23 off 18 balls, including four boundaries.
Imran struck again in the following over, dismissing Sahan Arachchige for one to reduce Sri Lanka to 83 for four.
Lahiru Udara steps up with a spectacular 91 to power the Sri Lankan innings! Pure class with the bat! 🔥 #PAKvSL https://t.co/bCbon2vFr3
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 9, 2026
Crucial partnership shifts momentum
With Sri Lanka under pressure, Udara found an able partner in experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. The duo counterattacked with a 57-run stand off just 28 deliveries, restoring momentum to the innings.
Shadab Khan ended the partnership in the 16th over when he dismissed Shanaka, who scored 18 off 15 balls, including two sixes.
Udara continued his assault, adding 27 runs with Dunith Wellalage, who made five, before Naseem Shah removed both batters in an eventful penultimate over.
Udara’s innings featured 11 fours and a six, making him the standout performer of the innings.
Lahiru Udara Gone For A Brilliant 91 Naseem Shah Gets His 3rd Wicket 👏🔥 https://t.co/268BLjoGIw
— Cricket Dani (@CricketDani56) October 9, 2026
Pakistan bowlers strike back at the death
Debutant Razaullah claimed his maiden Twenty20 International wicket when he dismissed Maheesh Theekshana for one on the first ball of the final over. Sri Lanka managed 10 runs in the remaining deliveries to finish at 182 for eight.
Naseem Shah and Muhammad Imran Randhawa lead Pakistan’s bowling effort 🏏
Sri Lanka set the hosts a target of 183 🎯
#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/2jV9JT7ZOA
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 9, 2026
Naseem led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 36 runs in four overs, while Imran claimed two wickets. Saim, Shadab and Razaullah took one wicket each.
Read Also: Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First Against Pakistan in Rawalpindi T20I Opener
Sri Lanka’s total sets Pakistan a challenging target in the series opener, with the home side needing 183 runs to take an early lead in the three-match contest.
