Farhan, Maaz shine as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in first T20I
By Nawaz Gohar ; Brilliant batting knocks by Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat helped Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I of the series on Friday, chasing down a target of 183 with seven balls to spare.
Batting first after winning the toss at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight, thanks to Lahiru Udara’s unbeaten 91.
Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when captain Kusal Mendis fell to Naseem Shah in the opening over. Kamil Mishara struggled to score before being dismissed for six off 13 balls by Mohammad Imran.
Udara then steadied the innings alongside Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23 off 18 balls before falling to Saim Ayub. Sahan Arachchige also departed soon afterwards.
Udara and Dasun Shanaka launched a counterattack, with Udara reaching his half-century off just 32 balls. Their 60-run partnership came off 37 deliveries, helping Sri Lanka maintain momentum.
Udara remained unbeaten on 91 off 55 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six. Naseem Shah claimed three wickets for 36 runs in four overs, while Mohammad Imran took two wickets.
In reply, Pakistan made a flying start through captain Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. The pair capitalised on the powerplay, scoring 70 runs in the first six overs.
Fakhar departed for 21 off 13 balls, including four boundaries, but Sadaqat joined Farhan to keep up the scoring rate.
Farhan reached his half-century off 33 balls, while Sadaqat brought up his fifty from just 28 deliveries. The pair added 92 runs before Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Sadaqat in the 14th over.
Sadaqat’s explosive innings ended after he struck two fours and a six in the same over earlier. Dushmantha Chameera then dismissed Hasan Nawaz to claim his 100th T20I wicket.
Theekshana removed Saim Ayub for eight, but Pakistan remained firmly in control. Farhan and Khawaja Nafay added 23 runs to take the hosts closer to victory.
Farhan remained unbeaten on 89 off 53 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes, as Pakistan reached the target with seven balls remaining.
