Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat fifties power Pakistan to four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in first T20I

Sahibzada Farhan’s 89 and Maaz Sadaqat’s half-century spearheaded Pakistan’s successful run chase against Sri Lanka as the hosts chased down the 183-run target in 18.5 overs in the first T20I in Rawalpindi to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan reached 187-6 with Farhan leading from the front with an 89-run knock and Sadaqat contributing a brisk 50 off 29 balls. Mean. Meanwhile, the remaining two matches are also scheduled at the same venue on October 11 and 13.

Farhan, Sadaqat power Pakistan’s chase

Pakistan came out aggressively in the chase, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman giving the hosts a flying start. The opening pair added 54 runs in just over five overs before Fakhar was dismissed for 21 off 13 balls.

Sadaqat joined Farhan at the crease and immediately increased the scoring rate. The left-hander attacked Sri Lanka’s bowlers, striking three sixes and four boundaries on his way to 50 off just 29 deliveries.

The pair stitched together a 92-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Pakistan firmly in control of the chase.

Sadaqat’s innings ended when Maheesh Theekshana trapped him leg-before-wicket, but Pakistan had already built a strong platform for victory.

Farhan continued to dominate, reaching 89 off 52 balls, with 10 fours and four sixes. He counterattacked Theekshana with a six and three boundaries in a single over, bringing Pakistan within touching distance of the target.

Sri Lanka briefly fought back with quick wickets, including Theekshana’s dismissal of Saim Ayub for eight and Dushmantha Chameera’s breakthrough against Hasan Nawaz. Farhan also fell while attempting to finish the chase, caught by Sahan Arachchige in the deep.

However, Pakistan held their nerve in the closing overs and completed the chase with seven balls remaining, finishing on 187-6.

Udara’s blazing 91 lifts Sri Lanka to 182-8

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182-8 after winning the toss and opting to bat first, with opener Lahiru Udara producing the standout performance of the innings.

Udara struck 91 off 55 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and a six to rescue the visitors after Pakistan made an early breakthrough. Naseem Shah dismissed Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over, while debutant Mohammad Imran removed Kamil Mishara for six to leave the visitors struggling at 18-2.

Udara then rebuilt the innings alongside Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23 off 18 balls, as the pair added 60 runs for the third wicket.

After Kamindu’s dismissal, Udara continued to keep the scoreboard moving, putting on another valuable partnership with Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka made 18 off 15 balls, including two sixes, as Sri Lanka recovered from their early setbacks.

Naseem eventually dismissed Udara in the penultimate over, ending an innings that had kept Sri Lanka competitive. Naseem finished with three wickets for 36 runs, while Mohammad Imran claimed two for 21 on his T20I debut.

Pakistan go 1-0 up

The victory marked a positive start for Pakistan under Farhan’s leadership in the home T20I series. The captain’s commanding knock and Sadaqat’s attacking half-century proved decisive after Udara had given Sri Lanka a competitive total.

Pakistan will now look to build on the opening win when the two sides meet in the second T20I on Sunday, October 11, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue.