DAMBULLA — Opener Sahibzada Farhan’s scintillating half-century guided Pakistan to a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 129, the Green Shirts achieved their goal in 16.4 overs, losing four wickets and leaving 20 balls unused. Farhan’s 51-run knock off 36 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, anchored Pakistan’s chase and earned him the top-scorer title.
Strong Opening Partnerships
Pakistan started strongly, with Farhan and Saim Ayub compiling a 59-run opening stand. Ayub contributed a brisk 24 off 18 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before Maheesh Theekshana dismissed him late in the powerplay.
Farhan then combined with captain Salman Ali Agha for a 25-run second-wicket partnership. Agha made a quickfire 16 off 11 balls before successive wickets brought Pakistan to 101/3. Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal in the 14th over left Pakistan needing 23 more runs.
All-rounder Shadab Khan (18*) and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan (7*) steadied the innings with a composed partnership, sealing victory in the 17th over.
Pakistan’s Bowling Dominance
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan batting line-up, restricting them to 128 in 19.2 overs. Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed led the charge, claiming three wickets each. Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shadab Khan chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Sri Lanka’s innings began shakily as openers Kamil Mishara (0) and Pathum Nissanka were dismissed early, leaving the hosts struggling at 15/2. Kusal Mendis (14) and Dhananjaya de Silva (10) briefly stabilized the innings before back-to-back wickets reduced Sri Lanka to 38/4 in 6.5 overs.
Middle-order batsman Janith Liyanage played a valiant knock of 40 off 31 balls, forming two vital 18-run partnerships with Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. However, Abrar Ahmed eventually ended his resistance in the 18th over, and Pakistan quickly wrapped up the tail.
Series Outlook
With this commanding victory, Pakistan takes an early lead in the three-match T20I series. Farhan’s aggressive yet composed innings, combined with clinical bowling from Mirza, Abrar, and Shadab, set the tone for the series. Sri Lanka will now look to bounce back in the second T20I to level the contest.
