Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series, thanks to outstanding batting performances from captain Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 183 runs, Pakistan reached the total in their allotted innings, losing six wickets. Farhan led from the front with a brilliant 89, while Maaz Sadaqat scored an aggressive 50 off just 29 balls.
Fakhar Zaman contributed 21 runs, while Saim Ayub scored eight. Hasan Nawaz managed one run, and Shadab Khan was dismissed for a duck. Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 and sealed the victory with a six, while Mohammad Imran finished not out on zero.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight in their 20 overs after being asked to bat. The visitors suffered an early setback, losing two wickets for just 18 runs, before a 60-run partnership for the third wicket helped stabilise their innings.
Despite wickets falling at the other end, opener Lahiru Udara stood firm and delivered an impressive performance. He top-scored with 91 off 55 balls but narrowly missed out on a century.
Kamindu Mendis added 23 runs, while Dasun Shanaka contributed 15 as Sri Lanka finished with a competitive total of 182 for eight.
Earlier, Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 183 runs in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. After winning the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis elected to bat first. The visitors got off to a shaky start, losing two wickets for just 18 runs before a 60-run partnership for the third wicket helped stabilise the innings.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, opener Lahiru Udara led the fightback with an impressive knock of 91 runs off 55 balls, narrowly missing out on a century. Sri Lanka finished their allotted 20 overs at 182 for eight. Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 runs, while captain Dasun Shanaka scored 15.
For Pakistan, fast bowler Naseem Shah claimed three wickets, while Muhammad Imran Randhawa took two. Razaullah, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan picked up one wicket each.
Speaking at the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said the pitch looked good for batting and stressed the importance of making the most of the powerplay. He acknowledged that some key players were unavailable due to injuries but expressed confidence in the team’s new players.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan said his side had also preferred to bowl first. He added that Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Randhawa were making their T20I debuts.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Pakistan have made several changes to their playing XI from the team that featured in the Asian Games final against India.
The second and third T20I matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 11 and 13, respectively.
Following the T20I series, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will join England in an ODI tri-series scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31.
Sri Lanka will then play a three-day practice match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 as part of their preparations for the two-Test series against Pakistan.
The Test series will be part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27. The first Test is scheduled to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, while the second Test will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Pakistan squad: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka: Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera (subject to fitness).