Sahibzada Farhan marked his first game as Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain with a commanding 52-ball 89, steering his team to a four-wicket win against Sri Lanka on Friday. His aggressive knock, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes, kept Pakistan on pace throughout the chase as they reached 187-6 in 18.5 overs, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Smashing 10 fours and four sixes to keep Pakistan firmly on course during the chase, he produced an aggressive batting display.
The victory was anchored by a strong performance from Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed a rapid 50 off 29 deliveries. Sadaqat struck two sixes and a boundary in his first four balls against Eshan Malinga, sharing a crucial 92-run partnership with Farhan off 53 balls that provided the necessary momentum to keep the scoreboard moving. Scoring a quickfire 50 off just 29 deliveries to provide valuable support in the batting line-up, maaz Sadaqat also made a significant contribution.
Pakistan’s pursuit of the target saw early resistance from the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Dushmantha Chameera reached a milestone of 100 T20 wickets by dismissing Hasan Nawaz, while Maheesh Theekshana, who returned 2-36, bowled Saim Ayub for 8. Theekshana later dismissed Sadaqat lbw shortly after the all-rounder completed his maiden half-century. Farhan finally departed after a spectacular diving catch by Sahan Arachchige at midwicket when Pakistan required only three more runs for victory. 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. However, his celebration was short-lived, as he was dismissed on the very next delivery, trapped leg-before-wicket (lbw) by Maheesh Theekshana, who finished with figures of 2-36.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 182-8, largely thanks to opening batter Lahiru Udara. Playing in his fifth T20, Udara struck 11 fours and a single six during a 55-ball 91. He rebuilt the innings following a shaky start, forging a 60-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis and adding another 57 runs alongside Dasun Shanaka. But Udara revived Sri Lanka by putting on 60 runs with Kamindu Mendis (23) against the spinners and another 57 runs with Dasun Shanaka (18).
The Sri Lankan innings began on a difficult note against Pakistan’s revamped pace battery, which included debutants Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. Naseem Shah, back in the side after Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris were left out, claimed 3-36 and removed captain Kusal Mendis for just 1 run in the opening over. Debutant Mohammad Imran proved effective, finishing with 2-21 and securing the wicket of Kamil Mishara.
Despite the consistent pressure from the Pakistani bowlers, Udara reached his half-century in 32 balls and helped Sri Lanka accumulate 66 runs in the final six overs. His effort concluded in the penultimate over when he was caught in the deep off the bowling of Naseem Shah. 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. Although his dismissal gave Sri Lanka a much-needed breakthrough as they looked to regain control of the contest, sadaqat’s timely contribution helped strengthen Pakistan’s position.
Pakistan’s opening pair, Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, set the tone for the response by punishing the Sri Lankan pacers early. They combined for 54 runs in 31 balls during the powerplay, during which Dushmantha Chameera conceded 32 runs in just two overs. This aggressive start allowed the home side to successfully manage the chase.
The three-match series now moves to Rawalpindi for the remaining two fixtures. Both teams are scheduled to compete again on Sunday and Tuesday to determine the outcome of the series.
