Pakistan Outclass Sri Lanka by Six Wickets to Take Early Series Lead
DAMBULLA: A disciplined bowling display followed by an assured batting performance, led by opener Sahibzada Farhan’s fluent half-century, powered Pakistan to a commanding six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a below-par total of 129, Pakistan reached the target comfortably with four wickets down and more than three overs remaining.
The chase began aggressively as Farhan and Saim Ayub set the tone with a rapid 59-run opening partnership. Ayub’s innings came to an end just before the conclusion of the powerplay when Maheesh Theekshana uprooted his stumps. The left-hander contributed a lively 24 from 18 balls, striking three boundaries and a six.
Farhan continued to anchor the innings and later combined with skipper Salman Ali Agha for a 25-run stand. However, Pakistan briefly stumbled when both batters were dismissed in consecutive overs, reducing the score to 101 for three. Farhan finished as Pakistan’s highest scorer, compiling 51 off 36 deliveries with four fours and two sixes, while Agha chipped in with a brisk 16 from 11 balls.
Another hiccup followed when Fakhar Zaman was stumped off Dhananjaya de Silva in the 14th over after scoring five runs. With 23 still needed, Usman Khan and Shadab Khan showed composure, guiding Pakistan home in the 17th over. Shadab remained unbeaten on 18 from 12 balls, while Usman added seven not out.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Theekshana and de Silva claiming one apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid dividends as their bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 128 in 19.2 overs. The hosts endured an early collapse, losing openers Kamil Mishara for a duck and Pathum Nissanka within the powerplay, leaving them reeling at 15 for two.
Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva attempted to rebuild, adding 22 runs for the third wicket, but both fell in quick succession to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 38 for four inside seven overs.
Janith Liyanage then provided some resistance, playing a determined knock from No.6. He forged two brief but important partnerships of 18 runs each with Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed in the 18th over. Liyanage top-scored for Sri Lanka with a fighting 40 off 31 balls, including two fours and a six.
Pakistan tightened the screws late in the innings as left-arm pacer Salman Mirza struck in the penultimate over, removing captain Dasun Shanaka and Chameera. Mohammad Wasim Jr wrapped up the innings early in the final over by dismissing Theekshana.
Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling effort with three wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Wasim Jr claimed two apiece.
The convincing victory hands Pakistan a 1–0 advantage in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Friday.
