Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his elevation to Pakistan’s T20I captaincy in spectacular fashion, smashing a blistering 89 to steer his side to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-game series in Rawalpindi on Friday.Chasing 183 for victory, Farhan’s explosive 53-ball knock, combined with Maaz Sadaqat’s maiden T20I half-century, powered Pakistan to 187/6 in 18.5 overs. The hosts secured a 1-0 lead in the series after overcoming a spirited Sri Lankan effort led by opener Lahiru Udara.Farhan hammered 10 fours and four sixes in a commanding innings, while Sadaqat struck 50 off just 29 deliveries to put Pakistan firmly in control of the chase.
Farhan, Sadaqat turn the chase into a run-fest
Pakistan’s opening pair of Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided an aggressive start, putting on 54 runs off just 31 balls. Fakhar contributed 21 before departing, but the early momentum continued as Sadaqat joined his captain at the crease.Sri Lanka’s pace attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Tall fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera conceded 32 runs in his two powerplay overs as Pakistan made a flying start to the chase.Sadaqat immediately took the attack to Eshan Malinga, striking two sixes and a four in his first four deliveries against the bowler. He then combined with Farhan in a blistering 92-run partnership off 53 balls that put Pakistan on course for victory.Sadaqat reached his maiden T20I half-century in just 28 balls but fell on the very next delivery, trapped leg-before-wicket by Maheesh Theekshana, who finished with 2/36.Sri Lanka briefly fought back as Chameera claimed his 100th T20 wicket by having Hasan Nawaz caught behind down the leg side. Theekshana then bowled Saim Ayub for eight with a delivery that stayed low.Farhan, however, continued to counterattack, taking on Theekshana with a six and three fours in one over. His brilliant innings finally ended when Sahan Arachchige pulled off a spectacular diving catch at midwicket, but Pakistan needed only three more runs to win at that stage.
Udara’s 91 lifts Sri Lanka to competitive total
Earlier, Udara struck a superb 91 off 55 balls to help Sri Lanka post 182/8 against a revamped Pakistan pace attack featuring debutants Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.Naseem Shah, recalled to the T20I squad after Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris were left out, made an immediate impact by dismissing Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over. Imran also impressed on debut, claiming 2/21, while Naseem finished with 3/36.Sri Lanka struggled early before Udara steadied the innings. He added 60 runs with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23, and followed it with a 57-run stand alongside Dasun Shanaka, who made 18.Udara reached his half-century off 32 balls and struck 11 fours and a six before falling in Naseem’s final over. Sri Lanka scored 66 runs in the final six overs to give their bowlers a challenging target, but Farhan’s captaincy debut proved memorable as Pakistan completed the chase with seven balls to spare.Rawalpindi will host the remaining two matches on Sunday and next Tuesday.
