Maaz’s 96, Imran’s three-wicket haul power Pakistan to 82-run win over Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI: Maaz Sadaqat’s 96-run massive and Mohammad Imran’s three-wicket haul powered Pakistan to an 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 International (T20I) on Sunday, helping the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a challenging 216-run target, Sri Lanka managed 133 for seven in their allotted 20 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the visitors under pressure throughout the innings.

Imran led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs, delivering a decisive spell to derail Sri Lanka’s chase.

Salman Mirza also made an important contribution, claiming two wickets for 28 runs, while Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub picked up one wicket each.

Chasing the total, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana top-scored for the Lions with 26-ball unbeaten 32, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe contributed 29 off 24 deliveries.

Kamindu Mendis scored 23 off 19 balls, and Sineth Jayawardena added 22 off 21 deliveries. However, their efforts could not bring Sri Lanka close to the target.

Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Mendis scored nine runs each, while Lahiru Udara managed five off four balls. Sahan Arachchige was dismissed for a duck, and Binura Fernando remained unbeaten without scoring.

Earlier, Sadaqat spearheaded Pakistan’s batting effort with a commanding 96 off 51 deliveries, striking six boundaries and seven sixes to help the hosts post 215-3 in their 20 overs.

Captain Sahibzada Farhan provided strong support with 73 off 44 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes, as the pair continued their impressive form after starring in Pakistan’s opening-match victory.

Fakhar Zaman added 22 off 17 deliveries, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 19.

For Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan had won the first T20I by chasing Sri Lanka’s 183-run target in 18.5 overs at Rawalpindi Stadium on October 9.

The hosts will now aim to complete a clean sweep in the third and final T20I.

Pakistan Playing XI

Sahibzada Farhan (c), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Imran, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Kusal Mendis (c), Lahiru Udara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara