Sahibzada Farhan, Muaz star as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in first T20I

RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan and Muaz Sadaqat produced impressive batting performances as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Twenty20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, chasing down a target of 183 with seven balls to spare.

Farhan led Pakistan’s chase with a blistering 89 off 53 balls, while Muaz scored a rapid half-century to put the hosts in control after Sri Lanka had posted 182-8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pakistan reached the target at 183-6 in 18.5 overs to take the lead in the three-match series, with the remaining two matches scheduled to be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13.

Farhan, who completed his 11th T20I half-century, struck 10 fours and four sixes in a commanding innings that anchored the chase and kept Pakistan ahead of the required run rate.

Muaz provided the innings with further impetus, reaching his half-century off just 28 deliveries. He struck four fours and three sixes before being dismissed leg-before-wicket by Maheesh Theekshana.

The opening pair gave Pakistan a positive start in pursuit of the 183-run target. Fakhar Zaman was the first batter to depart, scoring 21 before being caught off the bowling of Eshan Malinga, with Pakistan’s total at 54.

Farhan continued to score freely, while Muaz’s aggressive approach helped Pakistan maintain momentum. Their contributions put the hosts in a strong position to complete the chase.

Hassan Nawaz managed just one run before returning to the pavilion, while Saim Ayub scored eight. Pakistan then lost Shadab Khan for a duck, caught by Nuwan Thushara off Malinga’s bowling.

Despite the loss of wickets, Pakistan stayed on course to reach the target, completing the chase with six wickets down in the 19th over.

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bat first, with Lahiru Udara producing a standout innings to help the visitors post a competitive total.

Udara scored 91 off 55 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six. He was the mainstay of Sri Lanka’s innings, keeping the scoreboard moving even as Pakistan’s bowlers made regular breakthroughs at the other end.

Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 off 18 balls, while Shanaka made 18 off 15 deliveries. The remaining batters were unable to provide substantial support to Udara as Sri Lanka finished on 182-8.

Naseem Shah led Pakistan’s bowling attack, taking three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Muhammad Imran Randhawa claimed two wickets for 21 runs, while Shadab, Saim and Razaullah took one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka’s total included 29 extras, among them 18 wides and a no-ball, giving Pakistan additional runs but also highlighting the visitors’ opportunity to post a higher score.

Pakistan’s successful chase ensured that Udara’s impressive knock went in vain, as Farhan and Muaz’s attacking batting proved decisive in the opening match of the series.