Captain Sahibzada Farhan’s 89 and Maaz Sadaqat’s half-century helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Chasing 183, Pakistan reached the target with seven balls remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a brisk start with a 54-run opening partnership. Fakhar scored 21 off 13 balls before Eshan Malinga dismissed him in the sixth over.
Maaz then joined Farhan for a decisive 92-run stand that put Pakistan in control. The left-hander struck four boundaries and three sixes in his 29-ball 50 before falling lbw to Maheesh Theekshana.
Sri Lanka fought back with wickets, but Farhan kept the chase on course. The Pakistan captain hit 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball innings, earning the Player of the Match award.
After Farhan’s dismissal and Shadab Khan’s departure for a duck, Khawaja Nafay finished the chase with a six, remaining unbeaten on 12.
Earlier, Lahiru Udara’s 91 off 55 balls carried Sri Lanka to 182/8 after the visitors slipped to 18/2. He shared important partnerships with Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka to rebuild the innings.
Naseem Shah led Pakistan’s bowling with 3/36, while debutant Muhammad Imran took two wickets. Saim Ayub, Shadab, and debutant Razaullah claimed one each.
The second Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
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