Pakistan showcased an impressive performance in Rawalpindi, defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20 International match.
Chasing a target of 183 runs, Pakistan reached the goal in 18.5 overs while losing .
The innings began with a strong start from Pakistan. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman partnered to score 54 runs for the first wicket in just 5.1 overs. Fakhar contributed 21 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed. Farhan then received solid support from Maz Sadakat, and together they built a rapid second-wicket partnership of 92 runs off 52 balls. Sadakat scored 50 runs from 29 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes.
Captain Farhan narrowly missed a century, scoring 89 runs off 53 balls before getting out. Hasan Nawaz managed only a single run, while Sam Ayub returned to the pavilion after scoring eight runs. Shadab Khan did not get off the mark, falling to Ishan Malinda. Khawaja Nafe remained unbeaten on 12 runs, leading his team to victory. For Sri Lanka, Ishan Malinda took two wickets for 33 runs, while Mahesh Theekshana also claimed two wickets.
Earlier, Sri Lanka batted first, posting 182 runs after losing eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Lahiru Udara dazzled with the bat, scoring a blistering 91 runs off 55 balls, which included 11 fours and a six. Captain Kusal Mendis was dismissed for just one run, and Kamil Mishara scored only six runs.
Kamindu Mendis added 23 runs, while Dasun Shanaka scored 18 runs off 15 balls before being dismissed by Shadab Khan. For Pakistan, Naseem Shah excelled with the ball, taking three wickets for 36 runs in four overs. Mohammad Imran Randhawa also impressed, capturing two wickets for 21 runs, while Shadab Khan and Sam Ayub each took one wicket.