RAWALPINDI — Sahizada Farhan’s explosive 89 and Sadaqat’s blistering half-century powered Pakistan to thrilling four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Green Shirts launched their 3-game T20I series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling four-wicket win on Friday, October 9, 2026, chasing a target of 183 with seven balls remaining at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After restricting Sri Lanka to 182/8 in 20 overs, Pakistan finished at 187/6 in 18.5 overs, thanks largely to an explosive batting display from captain Sahibzada Farhan and young sensation Maaz Sadaqat.
Farhan struck 89 off 53 deliveries, while Sadaqat smashed 50 from just 29 balls as Pakistan appeared to be cruising before a late flurry of wickets briefly threatened to derail the chase. Khawaja Nafay ultimately ensured a successful finish, remaining unbeaten on 12 off seven deliveries and sealing the victory with a six.
Sri Lanka’s innings began on a shaky note after the visitors elected to bat first and quickly lost captain Kusal Mendis for one and Kamil Mishara for six. Naseem Shah removed Mendis, while debutant Mohammad Imran dismissed Mishara, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 18/2.
Lahiru Udara then took charge, producing a commanding 91 off 55 balls, including 11 fours and one six. His counterattacking innings prevented Pakistan from gaining complete control and kept Sri Lanka competitive despite the early setbacks.
Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 off 18 deliveries, while Dasun Shanaka added 18 from 15 balls, including two sixes. Their contributions helped Sri Lanka recover, although regular wickets prevented the visitors from building an even bigger total.
Udara looked poised to reach a century but fell just nine runs short when Naseem struck in the penultimate over. Dunith Wellalage also departed for five as Pakistan tightened their grip during the closing stages.
Sri Lanka ended their innings at 182/8, with 29 extras forming a notable part of the total.
Naseem was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 3/36 from four overs. His crucial breakthroughs included the dismissal of Udara at a decisive stage of the innings. Imran impressed on his international debut, claiming 2/21 in four overs. Fellow debutant Razaullah also made his mark by taking 1/29, including the wicket of Maheesh Theekshana.
Saim Ayub picked up one wicket for 17 runs, while Shadab Khan finished with 1/33. Abrar Ahmed went wicketless, conceding 36 runs in four overs. Pakistan’s bowling effort restricted Sri Lanka to a total that their powerful batting lineup ultimately managed to overhaul.
Fakhar Zaman provided early momentum with 21 off 13 balls before departing at 54/1. Farhan and Sadaqat then combined to deliver the defining passage of the match, adding 92 runs for the second wicket.
Farhan dominated with a blistering 89, striking 10 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 167.92. Sadaqat matched his captain’s attacking intent, reaching 50 off 29 balls with four boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership pushed Pakistan to 146/1, leaving the hosts seemingly in complete control of the chase.
However, Sri Lanka refused to surrender without a fight. Sadaqat was dismissed by Theekshana, and Pakistan soon lost Hasan Nawaz for one and Saim Ayub for eight. The pressure increased further when Farhan departed with only four runs required, followed by Shadab Khan’s dismissal for a duck.
The late collapse turned a seemingly comfortable pursuit into a tense finish, but Pakistan’s lower order held its nerve.With the match approaching its final moments, Nafay delivered the finishing blow. His unbeaten 12 off seven balls included the six that brought Pakistan across the line.
Mohammad Imran remained unbeaten on zero as Pakistan completed the chase at 187/6 in 18.5 overs, winning by four wickets with seven balls to spare.
For Sri Lanka, Theekshana claimed 2/36 and Eshan Malinga took 2/33. Thushara finished with 1/32, while Chameera returned figures of 1/40. Shanaka and Wellalage went wicketless.
The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series, with the second match scheduled for October 11 and the final encounter on October 13, both at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
