PAK vs SL: Pakistan began their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a four-wicket victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9. Captain Sahibzada Farhan led from the front with a commanding 89, while Maaz Sadaqat struck his maiden T20I half-century to help the hosts chase down a target of 183 with seven balls to spare.
Sri Lanka, batting first after winning the toss, posted 182/8 in their allotted 20 overs, largely thanks to a magnificent innings from Lahiru Udara. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 91 off 55 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and a six to keep the visitors competitive despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Naseem Shah was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 3/36. Mohammad Imran Randhawa also impressed on his T20I debut, claiming two wickets for 21 runs as Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka from pushing beyond 200.
Farhan and Sadaqat Power Pakistan Home
Pakistan made an aggressive start to the chase, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 21 off 13 balls in an opening stand worth 54. Farhan continued the momentum and combined with Sadaqat for a decisive 92-run partnership for the second wicket.
Farhan’s 53-ball knock featured 10 fours and four sixes, while Sadaqat contributed a brisk 50 off 29 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership put Pakistan firmly in control before Sri Lanka fought back with a few quick wickets.
Farhan departed for 89 in the 18th over, but Khawaja Nafay’s unbeaten 12 off seven balls helped Pakistan cross the finish line at 187/6 in 18.5 overs.
Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana claimed two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka, but their efforts were not enough to prevent defeat. Farhan was named Player of the Match as Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 182/8 in 20 overs (Lahiru Udara 91 off 55, Kamindu Mendis 23 off 18; Naseem Shah 3-36, Mohammad Imran Randhawa 2-21) lost to Pakistan 187/6 in 18.5 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 89 off 53, Maaz Sadaqat 50 off 29; Eshan Malinga 2-33) by 4 wickets.
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