Farhan’s 89, Maaz’s fifty power Pakistan to series-opening victory

RAWALPINDI - Captain Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat struck commanding half-centuries to power Pakistan to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a challenging target of 183, Pakistan reached 186-6 in 18.5 overs, with Farhan leading from the front through an aggressive 89 and Maaz providing crucial support with a fluent 50. Pakistan made a flying start as Farhan and experienced opener Fakhar Zaman added 54 runs in the opening five overs. Fakhar contributed 21 off 13 deliveries, including four boundaries, before Eshan Malinga ended the partnership in the sixth over.

Maaz joined Farhan at the crease and immediately maintained the momentum. The pair forged a match-defining 92-run stand for the second wicket, bringing up their respective half-centuries and putting Pakistan firmly in control. Maaz departed for 50 off 29 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, after being trapped leg-before by Maheesh Theekshana.

Pakistan subsequently lost Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub in quick succession, but Farhan kept the chase on track with his powerful stroke play. The captain smashed 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball innings before falling to Nuwan Thushara in the 18th over. His outstanding contribution earned him the player of the match award. Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 and sealed the victory with a six in the penultimate over.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 182-8 after being asked to bat first, largely thanks to opener Lahiru Udara’s impressive 91 off 55 deliveries. His innings featured 11 fours and a six. Pakistan struck early through debutant Mohammad Imran, who helped reduce Sri Lanka to 18-2. Udara then rebuilt the innings alongside Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23, before Dasun Shanaka joined the opener in a brisk 57-run partnership off just 28 balls.

Shanaka made 18 from 15 deliveries, including two sixes, while Udara continued to attack despite losing partners towards the end. Fast bowler Naseem Shah spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling effort with three wickets for 36 runs, while Imran claimed two wickets on debut. Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and debutant Razaullah took one wicket each. Pakistan will look to extend their advantage in the second T20I at the same venue on Sunday.

PAKISTAN 187-6 (Farhan 89, Sadaqat 50; Malinga 2-33) beat SRI LANKA 182-8 (Udara 91; Naseem 3-36, Imran 2-21) by 4 wickets.