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New Delhi: Pakistan exhibited a dominant display as the side took a 1-0 lead in 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after a victory in the opener on Wednesday. Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in what proved to be a one-sided contest.
Chasing a paltry score of 129, Pakistan cruised to 129/4 in 16.4 overs with Sahibzada Farhan (51) and Saim Ayub (24) showcasing fine batting skills. Openers Farhan and Ayub giving the visitors a strong start with Ayub eventually being dismissed for 24 off 18 balls, smacking three fours and a six. Meanwhile, Farhan got a half-century, hammering 51 off 36 balls, packed with four fours and two sixes.
For the Sri Lankan side, all the bowlers used picked up a wicket each to contribute for the team but it did not prove to be enough. Earlier, Shadab Khan (Player of the Match) struck twice on his return as Pakistan bowled out Sri Lanka for 128 in 19.2 overs. The hosts lost opener Kamil Mishra early, for a three-ball duck to Salman Mirza with Wasim removing Pathum Nissanka for 12 off 12 balls.
The departure of the openers set the platform as the Lankans lost quick wickets. Only Janith Liyanage tried to stage a comeback, and built partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga (18) and skipper Dasun Shanaka (12) but Liyanaga was dismissed by Abrar for 40 off 31 deliveries. For the Men in Green, Mirza and Abrar took three wickets each.
Gearing up for the 2026 T20 World Cup in February, Pakistan earlier won the toss and opted to bowl. The three-match T20I series serves as a practice for both the sides. The ICC showpiece event is set to begin on February 7, and Pakistan will face the Netherlands in the tournament's opening match. Meanwhile, the second match of the series is slated for Friday while the third and final match will be played in Dambulla on Sunday.
