RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan struck a match-winning 89 to power Pakistan to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead, with the second T20I scheduled at the same venue on Sunday, 11 January. Chasing 183, Pakistan got home in 18.5 overs courtesy of a brilliant captain’s knock from Farhan. Leading Pakistan for the first time in a bilateral T20I series, the opener smashed 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball 89 and was named Player of the Match.
Pakistan made a flying start with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman adding 54 for the opening wicket. Fakhar looked in good touch for his 21 off 13 balls, including four boundaries, before falling in the sixth over. Farhan then took charge alongside Maaz Sadaqat, with the duo stitching a crucial 92-run stand for the second wicket that put the hosts in complete command. Maaz brought up a fine half-century on his outing, scoring 50 off 29 balls with four fours and three sixes before departing in the 14th over. Farhan fell in the 18th over with Pakistan close to the target, while Khawaja Nafay held his nerve with an unbeaten 12 off seven balls to seal the chase.
Earlier, after being put into bat, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight in their 20 overs. Lahiru Udara was the standout for the visitors with a superb 91 off 55 balls, studded with 11 fours and a six. For Pakistan, Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 36. T20I debutant Mohammad Imran impressed with 2 for 21 in his four overs, while fellow debutant Razaullah, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan claimed a wicket apiece.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 182-8 in 20 overs (Lahiru Udara 91; Naseem Shah 3-36, Mohammad Imran 2-21)
Pakistan 183-6 in 18.5 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 89, Maaz Sadaqat 50)
Result: Pakistan won by four wickets.
Man of the match : Sahibzada Farhan
