Pakistan-Sri Lanka second T20 washed out due to rain

DAMBULLA: The second T20I match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain.

The match, scheduled to be played in Dambulla as part of a three-match series between hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan, was called off due to persistent rainfall, leaving no possibility of play.

Pakistan currently lead the three-match T20I series 1–0, having secured a commanding victory in the opening encounter.

First T20I recap

The Shaheens registered an emphatic win in the first T20I after successfully chasing a modest target of 128, which Sri Lanka had posted in 19.2 overs. Pakistan chased down the target for the loss of four wickets, sealing a six-wicket victory. All-rounder Shadab Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance with both bat and ball.

Sri Lanka batting performance

Pakistan began the opening clash with strong blows against their opponents, striking early with the ball. Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, showed brief intent but failed to build a meaningful partnership. Pakistan pacers Mohammad Wasim Jr and Salman Mirza removed both batters cheaply, with Nissanka scoring 12 while Mishara was dismissed for a duck.

Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva then walked in to stabilise the innings, but Pakistan’s leg-spinner Shadab Khan continued the pressure by dismissing both. Mendis managed 14 off 15 balls, while de Silva contributed 10 off 10 deliveries.

Middle-order batter Janith Liyanage emerged as the lone standout for Sri Lanka, scoring a fighting 40 off 31 balls to push the Lions’ total forward. However, his resistance was eventually ended by Abrar Ahmed.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka added a quick 12 off nine balls, while Maheesh Theekshana briefly chipped in. Still, both were dismissed by Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr, respectively, as Pakistan wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings for 127 in 19.2 overs.

Pakistan batting performance

Batting second, Pakistan got off to a confident start as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub took charge at the crease. The duo laid a solid foundation for the chase with positive intent.

Farhan top-scored with a well-compiled 51, which included two sixes and four boundaries, while Saim Ayub contributed a brisk 24, featuring one six and three fours. Both batters were dismissed after providing Pakistan with a strong platform.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha then stepped in and added a handy 16 off 11 balls, taking the total to 91. At that stage, Pakistan required just 38 runs and was firmly in control of the chase.

Fakhar Zaman chipped in with five runs before being dismissed, while Usman Khan remained unbeaten on seven. Shadab Khan played a crucial finishing role, scoring an unbeaten 18 to guide Pakistan close to the target. With the help of eight extras conceded by Sri Lanka, Pakistan comfortably crossed the line, finishing on 121 and claiming a convincing victory over the Lions.

Shadab Khan’s all-round effort — scoring 18 runs and picking up two wickets — earned him the Player of the Match award and set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance in the series.

With the second match washed out, all eyes now turn to the series decider.