Pakistan kicked off their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a commanding six-wicket victory at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday. After expertly restricting the hosts to a modest total of 128, the visitors chased down the target with ease, finishing on 129 for the loss of just four wickets and with more than three overs to spare.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Victory
The foundation for Pakistan's win was laid by a collective and disciplined bowling effort after captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field. The decision proved immediately fruitful as the Pakistani attack struck early blows, dismantling Sri Lanka's top order.
Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at 15 for two, having lost both openers, Kamil Mishara for a duck and Pathum Nissanka for 12, within the first four overs. A brief partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva (10) and Kusal Mendis (14) offered little respite before both fell in quick succession, leaving the home side reeling at 38 for four.
Janith Liyanage provided the only significant resistance for Sri Lanka, crafting a determined innings of 40 runs from 31 deliveries, which included two fours and a six. He found some support from Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who both contributed 18 runs, but regular wickets prevented any substantial momentum from building.
The innings concluded in the 20th over with Sri Lanka bowled out for 128. Spinner Abrar Ahmed and left-arm pacer Salman Mirza were the standout performers with the ball, each claiming three wickets. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr provided excellent support, chipping in with two wickets apiece.
Farhan Guides Confident Chase
In response, Pakistan's chase was led authoritatively by opener Sahibzada Farhan. He and Saim Ayub gave the innings a flying start, putting on 59 runs during the powerplay overs. Ayub departed after a brisk 24 off 18 balls, bowled by Maheesh Theekshana.
Farhan, however, remained composed at the crease. He formed a steady partnership of 35 runs with skipper Salman Ali Agha and continued to anchor the innings. The right-handed batsman reached a fluent half-century, top-scoring with 51 runs off just 36 balls, an innings decorated with four boundaries and two sixes.
Although Pakistan lost Farhan and the experienced Fakhar Zaman in a short span, the result was never in doubt. The finishing touches were applied calmly by Shadab Khan, who remained unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls, and wicketkeeper Usman Khan (7* off 13), who saw the team home with an unbroken partnership.
Series Implications and Next Match
This comprehensive win gives Pakistan a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The performance showcased a balanced team effort, with both the bowling unit and the top order firing in unison.
The second T20 International of the series is scheduled to be played at the same venue in Dambulla on Friday. Pakistan will look to seal the series, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to bounce back and level the contest.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 128 all out in 19.2 overs (Janith Liyanage 40; Salman Mirza 3-18, Abrar Ahmed 3-25). Pakistan 129-4 in 16.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 51, Saim Ayub 24; Dhananjaya de Silva 1-4). Pakistan won by 6 wickets.
