Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat Lead Pakistan to T20I Victory Over Sri Lanka
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9, as captain Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat delivered impressive batting performances to help the hosts chase down a target of 183 runs.
Farhan top-scored with 89 off 53 balls, while Sadaqat contributed a rapid half-century from 29 deliveries. Their partnership put Pakistan in a strong position before the hosts completed the chase to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Farhan and Sadaqat Build Match-Winning Partnership
Pakistan made an aggressive start to their innings, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman adding 54 runs in the first five overs.
Fakhar scored 21 off 13 deliveries before being dismissed by Eshan Malinga. Sadaqat then joined Farhan at the crease, and the pair built an important 92-run partnership for the second wicket.
Sadaqat played an attacking innings, scoring 50 off 29 balls with four fours and three sixes. His innings ended when Maheesh Theekshana dismissed him leg before wicket.
Farhan continued to control the chase after reaching his half-century off 33 balls. The Pakistan captain struck 10 fours and four sixes during his innings, keeping the required run rate within reach.
Sri Lanka Fight Back but Pakistan Secure Win
Sri Lanka briefly returned to the contest by taking three wickets as Pakistan slipped from 144-1 to 156-4 in the 16th over.
Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub failed to make significant contributions, while Shadab Khan also departed after coming in at number seven.
Farhan remained Pakistan’s key batter, scoring 89 before being dismissed with only four runs required for victory.
Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Imran then helped Pakistan cross the finish line, securing a four-wicket win with the team taking a 1-0 series advantage.
For Sri Lanka, Theekshana and Malinga claimed two wickets each, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara took one wicket apiece.
Sri Lanka Post 182 Runs After Recovering from Early Setbacks
Earlier, Sri Lanka scored 182-8 in their allotted 20 overs after Pakistan won the toss and elected to field.
The visitors struggled in the opening overs, losing Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara to leave the scoreboard at 18-2. Naseem Shah dismissed Kusal Mendis for one, while debutant Mohammad Imran removed Mishara for six.
Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis helped stabilise the innings with a 60-run partnership for the third wicket.
Saim Ayub ended their stand by dismissing Kamindu for 23 off 18 balls. Imran struck again in the following over, removing Sahan Arachchige as Sri Lanka slipped to 83-4.
Udara and Dasun Shanaka subsequently added 57 runs from 34 deliveries for the fifth wicket, helping Sri Lanka rebuild their innings.
Udara continued to contribute with the lower order before Naseem dismissed him, bringing an end to an important innings for the visitors. Sri Lanka eventually finished on 182-8.
Naseem Shah and Mohammad Imran Impress with the Ball
Naseem Shah led Pakistan’s bowling effort with three wickets for 36 runs in four overs. Debutant Mohammad Imran also made a valuable contribution, finishing with two wickets for just two runs.
Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed and Razaullah also claimed one wicket each as Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 182 runs.
Pakistan Take 1-0 Lead in T20I Series
The victory gives Pakistan an early advantage in the three-match T20 International series. The remaining two matches are scheduled to take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 11 and 13.
Pakistan will look to build on their opening win, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back in the second match and level the series.
