LAHORE MIRROR — Captain Sahibzada Farhan smashed a brilliant 89 as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Twenty20 International at Rawalpindi on Friday.
Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan reached 183 for six in the 19th over, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Farhan led the run chase with an impressive 89 off 47 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. Maaz Sadaqat also made a valuable contribution, scoring a half-century of 50, while Fakhar Zaman added 21 runs.
For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana claimed two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Lahiru Udara top-scored with a superb 91, including 11 fours and a six. Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 runs, while captain Dasun Shanaka made 18.
Naseem Shah and Muhammad Imran Randhawa lead Pakistan’s bowling effort 🏏
Sri Lanka set the hosts a target of 183 🎯
#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/2jV9JT7ZOA
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 9, 2026
Pakistan’s Naseem Shah led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Mohammad Imran claimed two. Saim Ayub, Razaullah and Shadab Khan took one wicket each.
The match also marked the Twenty20 International debuts of Pakistan’s Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
Pakistan’s playing XI comprised Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah and Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka fielded Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara.
