Sahibzada Farhan struck a match-winning 89 to help Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs. Farhan scored 89 off 53 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and four sixes, and was named Player of the Match. He also led Pakistan for the first time in a bilateral T20I series.
Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a strong start, adding 54 runs for the opening wicket. Fakhar made 21 off 13 balls before departing in the sixth over.
Farhan then partnered with Maaz Sadaqat, who scored a quickfire 50 off 29 balls, including four fours and three sixes. The pair added 92 runs for the second wicket to put Pakistan in a commanding position. Farhan was dismissed in the 18th over, while Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 off seven balls to help complete the chase.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first. Lahiru Udara top-scored with 91 off 55 balls, striking 11 fours and one six.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah took three wickets for 36 runs, while T20I debutant Mohammad Imran claimed two wickets for 21 runs in four overs. Razaullah, another T20I debutant, along with Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan, took one wicket each.
Pakistan will look to extend their advantage when the second T20I takes place at the same venue on Sunday, October 11.
Scores:
- Sri Lanka: 182/8 in 20 overs (Lahiru Udara 91; Naseem Shah 3/36, Mohammad Imran 2/21)
- Pakistan: 187/6 in 18.5 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 89, Maaz Sadaqat 50; Eshan Malinga 2/33, Maheesh Theekshana 2/36)
- Result: Pakistan won by four wickets
- Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan
