In his first match as Pakistan’s T20 captain, Sahibzada Farhan delivered a match-defining performance to secure a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Friday. Farhan anchored the chase with an explosive 89 off 52 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes, guiding his side to a successful finish of 187-6 in 18.5 overs. Smashing 10 fours and four sixes to keep Pakistan firmly on course during the chase, he produced an aggressive batting display. His half-century helped maintain the scoring rate and strengthened Pakistan’s position as the team moved closer to victory. Finding the boundaries regularly and keeping the scoreboard moving with an aggressive approach, he displayed attacking intent throughout his knock.
The match, held in the opening of a three-game series, saw Maaz Sadaqat provide crucial support. Sadaqat smashed a 29-ball 50, including a blistering stand of 92 runs in just 53 balls alongside his captain. This partnership proved vital in keeping the required run rate under control before Sadaqat was trapped lbw by Maheesh Theekshana. Scoring a quickfire 50 off just 29 deliveries to provide valuable support in the batting line-up, maaz Sadaqat also made a significant contribution.
Sri Lanka had posted a competitive total of 182-8, driven largely by opener Lahiru Udara, who scored a commanding 91 from 55 balls. Udara’s innings included 11 fours and a single six, supported by useful partnerships of 60 with Kamindu Mendis and 57 with Dasun Shanaka. His efforts helped Sri Lanka recover from a shaky start, adding 66 runs in the final six overs of their innings. Opening batter Lahiru Udara’s 91 gave Sri Lanka a fighting total of 182-8 against a new-look Pakistan pace attack that featured debutants Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
Naseem Shah, returning to the squad, set the tone for Pakistan by removing captain Kusal Mendis in the opening over. Debutant Mohammad Imran impressed as well, taking 2-21, while Fakhar Zaman contributed significantly in the field by securing three catches. Despite the strong bowling effort, Udara kept the tourists in the game until he was caught in the deep during Shah’s final over.
Pakistan’s pursuit of the target saw early aggression from the opening pair of Farhan and Zaman, who combined for 54 runs in 31 balls. This momentum survived a brief mid-innings wobble when Dushmantha Chameera claimed his 100th T20 wicket by dismissing Hasan Nawaz, and Theekshana clean-bowled Saim Ayub for 8. His impressive stroke play and ability to find the boundary regularly put the opposition bowlers under pressure and helped Pakistan reach the target with seven balls to spare. Tall fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera’s two overs in the powerplay went for 32 runs. Producing an impressive innings that provided Pakistan with valuable momentum, sadaqat reached a significant milestone by completing his maiden T20 half-century in just 28 balls.
Theekshana ultimately finished with 2-36, but he could not stop Farhan, who counter-attacked with a flurry of boundaries. By the time Farhan holed out to a diving Sahan Arachchige at midwicket, the result was all but settled, with Pakistan requiring only three more runs for victory. The victory gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series.
The three-match series now moves to Rawalpindi for the remaining fixtures. The second and third matches are scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday, respectively, as Pakistan looks to capitalize on their winning momentum.
