Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat’s brisk half-centuries powered Pakistan to a comprehensive six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the T20I series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan chased down 183-run target with seven balls to spare.
Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan provided a brisk start, sharing a 52-run stand in first five overs. The former struck four boundaries in his 21 off 13 balls.
Following Fakhar’s dimissal, Maaz Sadaqat joined Farhan and made the lightwork of the chase. The duo stitched a 92-run partnership for the second wicket, propelling the score to 146 inside 14 overs.
Maaz scored 50 off 29 balls, striking three sixes and four boundaries.
With just a stork away from victory, captain Farhan was caught in the deep by Arachchige. He scored 89 off 53, smashing 10 fours and four maximums.
Shadab Khan had a disappointed outing with the bat, as he walked backed with a two-ball duck.
Khawaja Nafay finished the game with a maximum in the 19th over.
Earlier, Lahiru Udara’s gutsy knock powered Sri Lanka to a strong total. Opting to bat first under lights in front of a sparse crowd, the visitors racked up 182-8 in 20 overs.
The home side had a bright start as they removed Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis inside the first over. He was caught after scoring one. In the third over, Pakistan got another breakthrough in the form of Kamil Mishara, who made six after facing 13 deliveries.
Consequently, Sri Lanka were 18-2 in first four overs.
Following the early setbacks in the power play, Kamindu Mendis joined Lahiru Udara in a bid to steady Sri Lankan innings. The pair took their side out of trouble, adding a 60-run stand for the third-wicket partnership.
The stand helped the Islanders sit comfortably on 78 at the half-way mark.
However, Saim Ayub provided the much-needed breakthrough with Mendis wicket, who contributed 23 off 18 with the aid of four boundaries.
Soon after, the hosts pushed Sri Lanka further back with quick-wicket of Sahan Arachchige, departing after scoring just one.
With Sri Lanka in a precarious 83-4, Dasun Shanaka and Udara, in particular built a counter attacking 57-run stand off 34 balls.
The pair put Sri Lanka in a strong position as the scorecard read 140 at the end of 16 overs. Shanaka, who faced 15 for his 18, struck two sixes in his knock.
Meanwhile, Udara continued till the penultimateover, ensuring that Sri Lanka finish strongly at the end of their innings. The right-hander hit 11 fours and a six in his 91 off 55 balls.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah starred with three wickets whereas debutant Mohammad Imran scalped two wickets.
