Pakistan delivered a commanding batting performance under the floodlights at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Sunday night’s second T20I. Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan led a sustained assault on Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and helped Pakistan claim the match by 82 runs.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Sri Lanka initially kept Pakistan’s scoring in check as Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando maintained disciplined lines. That early control, however, proved short-lived once the batters settled and began to dictate the tempo of the innings.

A masterclass at display in Rawalpindi: Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan

Enter Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan. What followed was a masterclass in accumulation, destruction, and sheer psychological dismantling. Farhan, leading from the front with the calm assurance of a seasoned general, anchored the aggression with a sparkling 73 off 44 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and five towering maximums.

But the real heartbeat of the innings, the story the dressing room will talk about for weeks, belonged to Maaz Sadaqat. Operating with an effortless, almost poetic flow, Sadaqat carved out an unbeaten 96 from just 51 balls. Seven times he cleared the ropes, each stroke an effortless blend of timing and disdain that left the Sri Lankan spinners searching for answers that simply weren’t on the pitch.

The partnership quickly gathered momentum. Maheesh Theekshana, normally renowned for his control, conceded 55 runs from four overs, while Eshan Malinga and Binura Fernando found no relief despite varying their lengths, pace, and angles. On a batting-friendly Pindi pitch, Pakistan amassed 215 for 3, an imposing total that placed Sri Lanka under pressure before the chase began.

Chasing 216 requires early momentum and a miracle or two; Sri Lanka got neither. The scoreboard pressure weighed heavily on the visitors’ top order from the get-go. Mohammad Imran spearheaded the demolition with the ball, turning in a mesmerizing spell of 3 for 11 in his four overs. His nagging, disciplined lines strangled any hopes of a flying Powerplay.

Apart from brief resistance, the Lankan batting lineup folded like a house of cards against a varied Pakistan attack. Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan chipped in with clever, tight spells, while Salman Mirza picked up two late wickets to drive home the advantage. Sri Lanka stumbled to 133 for 7 when the smoke cleared, falling short by a massive 82 runs.

Pakistan’s emphatic 82-run victory reflected their clear superiority in every department and take them to 2-0 series lead. ‘Player-of-the-match’ Sadaqat and Farhan’s power hitting took the hosts to a formidable total, the bowlers maintained relentless pressure to ensure Sri Lanka never threatened the target. The comprehensive result underlined Pakistan’s commanding form and left Sri Lanka requiring a major response in the final match of the series.

For more news & updates, follow The Crichub on X and YouTube