Newly appointed captain Sahibzada Farhan’s 89 off 52 balls and Maaz Sadaqat’s swift half-century propelled Pakistan to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 series opener in Rawalpindi. The hosts successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s 182-8—anchored by Lahiru Udara’s 91—finishing at 187-6 with seven balls to spare.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — Newly minted Twenty20 skipper Sahibzada Farhan made a dream start to his captaincy on Friday, hammering an explosive 52-ball 89 to steer Pakistan to a commanding four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the series opener.
Chasing a testing target of 183 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan reached 187 for six with seven balls to spare. A blistering 92-run stand between Farhan and young batter Maaz Sadaqat anchored the chase, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match bilateral series.
Sri Lanka had earlier set a competitive 182 for eight, largely riding on an aggressive 91 from opening batter Lahiru Udara against an overhauled Pakistan pace lineup.
Clinical Chase
Pakistan’s pursuit began with intent as Farhan and Fakhar Zaman (21) attacked from the start, putting on 54 runs inside the opening powerplay. Sri Lankan paceman Dushmantha Chameera bore the brunt early on, conceding 32 runs across his first two overs.
After Zaman fell, Sadaqat wasted no time asserting himself. The left-hander launched two sixes and a boundary in his first four deliveries off Eshan Malinga, racing to his maiden T20 half-century off just 28 balls.
Spinner Maheesh Theekshana (2-36) removed Sadaqat lbw for 50 on the following delivery, sparking a brief middle-order tremor. Chameera subsequently removed Hasan Nawaz down the leg side to register his 100th career T20 wicket, and Theekshana castled Saim Ayub on eight with a ball that kept low.
Farhan, who bludgeoned 10 boundaries and four sixes, maintained the tempo before holing out to a diving Sahan Arachchige at midwicket with Pakistan just three runs shy of the target.
Udara Anchors Visitors
Earlier, Sri Lanka recovered from an early stumble after being put under pressure by the recalled Naseem Shah (3-36), who struck in the first over to remove captain Kusal Mendis for one. Debutant pacer Mohammad Imran impressed with economical figures of 2-21, dismissing Kamil Mishara during the fielding restrictions.
Udara took charge for the visitors, striking 11 fours and a six in his 55-ball stay. He steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership alongside Kamindu Mendis (23) before adding 57 with former captain Dasun Shanaka (18).
The late charge yielded 66 runs over the final six overs before Shah ended Udara’s innings in the 19th over.
The teams meet again in Rawalpindi for the second T20 on Sunday, with the final fixture scheduled for Tuesday.
