Nawaz Sparks Collapse, Farhan Finishes Job in Dominant Pakistan Victory
RAWALPINDI: A commanding unbeaten knock from Sahibzada Farhan, complemented by a decisive spell from Mohammad Nawaz, powered Pakistan to a dominant seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third fixture of the T20I tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The triumph — Pakistan’s second in as many matches — lifted them to the top of the points table with four points, pushing Zimbabwe down to second place. Sri Lanka, still searching for their first win, remained anchored to the bottom after consecutive losses.
Chasing 129, Pakistan made light work of the target, cruising home with 27 balls remaining and only three wickets down.
Farhan was the star of the show, smashing an unbeaten 80 from 45 balls, decorated with six fours and five towering sixes. He was well assisted by opener Saim Ayub (20) and Babar Azam (16), both of whom provided valuable contributions in the chase.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit had little to celebrate apart from Dushmantha Chameera’s two wickets and a solitary strike from captain Dasun Shanaka.
Earlier, Shanaka opted to bat first but the decision did not pay off, as Sri Lanka could muster only 128/7 in their allotted overs despite a fighting effort from Janith Liyanage.
The tourists began brightly through Kamil Mishara, who launched a brisk 22 off 12 balls, hammering two fours and two sixes before Faheem Ashraf dismissed him in the fourth over. Sri Lanka’s momentum stalled soon after when Kusal Mendis was run out for three, leaving them wobbling at 38/2.
Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka attempted to rebuild with a cautious stand of 22 runs, but Abrar Ahmed removed Perera at the start of the ninth over. Nissanka’s departure soon after triggered a collapse, with Nawaz tearing through the middle order by claiming three quick wickets — two in the same over — as Sri Lanka stumbled to 86/6.
Liyanage, however, remained resilient, steadying the innings with a 35-run partnership alongside Wanindu Hasaranga, who chipped in with 11 off 12 before falling in the penultimate over. Liyanage stayed unbeaten on 40 from 37 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and a six in an anchoring effort.
Nawaz delivered the standout bowling performance for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 3/16, while Abrar, Faheem and Salman Mirza chipped in with one wicket each.
