Kusal and Kamindu Mendis power Sri Lanka to win third T20I, Pakistan take series 2-1

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third T20I, thanks to captain Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 87 and Kamindu Mendis’ 40 not out. Chasing 169, Sri Lanka reached the target in 17.1 overs. Sahibzada Farhan scored 76 as Pakistan posted 168/8. Despite the defeat, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1.

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis produced a blistering unbeaten 87 off 48 balls to steer the visitors to an eight-wicket consolation victory over Pakistan in the third Twenty20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Chasing 169, Sri Lanka cruised to 172-2 in 17.1 overs, with Kusal and Kamindu Mendis combining in an unbroken 98-run partnership for the third wicket to complete the chase with 17 balls to spare. Kamindu remained unbeaten on 40 off 27 deliveries, striking four fours, as Sri Lanka ended the series on a winning note after Pakistan had secured the first two matches. The visitors never looked in trouble once the two batters settled at the crease, maintaining a scoring rate of more than 10 runs an over through much of the latter half of the innings. Kusal’s commanding knock included nine fours and four sixes, as he repeatedly found gaps and punished Pakistan’s wayward bowling. His innings featured a mixture of powerful drives, deft improvisation and clean hitting down the ground, leaving the hosts unable to stem the flow of runs. Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Lahiru Udara was trapped leg-before-wicket by Imran Randhawa for one in the second over. Imran produced a delivery that swung sharply from wide of off stump to strike the left-hander on the back pad, giving Pakistan an encouraging start. However, Sineth Jayawardena and Kusal quickly shifted the momentum. Jayawardena attacked from the outset, striking Salman Mirza for a six over deep midwicket and carving another delivery over point for four. Kusal joined the charge with a straight six off Razaullah before delicately ramping a short ball over the slip cordon. The pair took Sri Lanka to 59-1 at the end of the powerplay, their best such return of the series, with Jayawardena contributing 30 off 18 balls and Kusal 24 off 16. Jayawardena continued to find boundaries, pulling Imran over deep midwicket for six and driving over extra cover for four. But his entertaining 38 off 26 balls ended in the eighth over when he attempted to loft Arafat Minhas over the infield and picked out Razaullah at long-on, leaving Sri Lanka at 74-2. The dismissal proved to be Pakistan’s last breakthrough. Kusal and Kamindu took control with a blend of calculated aggression and smart running, exploiting gaps in the field while capitalising on loose deliveries. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to maintain their lines, while missed opportunities and lapses in execution allowed the required rate to fall steadily. Kusal brought up his half-century in 33 balls with a jab through the off side in the 13th over. He celebrated the milestone by dancing down the track to launch Arafat over long-off for six, with fielder Abdul Samad unable to complete the catch after losing his balance near the boundary. Kamindu complemented his captain’s power with elegant strokeplay. He drove crisply through extra cover, sent a lofted cover drive racing to the boundary off Salman and pierced the infield with a straight drive against Razaullah. The pair brought up Sri Lanka’s 100 in the 11th over, with the visitors already well ahead of the asking rate. Pakistan’s errors compounded their difficulties. Sufyan Moqim failed to hold a return catch offered by Kusal in the 15th over, while the bowlers repeatedly offered scoring opportunities through short deliveries and loose balls outside off stump. Poor execution at the death further underlined the hosts’ inability to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Kusal shifted through the gears in the closing overs, upper-cutting Salman over the wicketkeeper for four before launching a regal straight drive over the bowler’s head for six. Kamindu, meanwhile, kept the scoreboard moving with well-timed strokes and quick singles as the target came within reach. The foundation for Sri Lanka’s victory had been laid earlier by their bowlers, led by Dasun Shanaka’s miserly three-wicket haul. Shanaka returned figures of three for 21 in four overs, removing Khawaja Nafay, Imran and Samad to prevent Pakistan from building momentum through the middle overs. Pakistan had been reduced to 86-5 before captain Sahibzada Farhan and Arafat mounted a recovery. Farhan top-scored with 76 off 47 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, while Arafat remained unbeaten on 34 from 20 deliveries. The pair added 66 runs for the seventh wicket, rescuing Pakistan from 102-6 and lifting them to 168-8. Farhan reached his third consecutive half-century before falling to Nuwan Thushara for 76 in the penultimate over, while Arafat’s late assault included two fours and two sixes. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s total proved insufficient against Sri Lanka’s clinical chase.

Razaullah, Arafat Minhas, Sufiyan Moqim and Abdul Samad came in for Pakistan, who've already won the series

Pakistan made four changes to their line-up for the third and final Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka, who won the toss and decided to bat first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Razaullah, who made his debut in the first T20I was brought back to the XI while spinner Sufyan Moqim, all-rounder Arafat Minhas and batter Abdul Samad were also handed playing time. Seniors Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed were benched. For Sri Lanka, spinner Maheesh Theekshana — who had an outing to forget in the second T20I — was replaced by younsgter Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. The hosts are looking to complete a clean sweep of the three-match series. After winning the opening T20I by four wickets and securing a convincing 82-run victory in the second match, Pakistan have established a commanding position heading into the series finale. The second T20I saw Pakistan deliver an impressive all-round performance with both bat and ball. Young opener Maaz Sadaqat played a crucial role with a brilliant 96 off 51 deliveries, while captain Sahibzada Farhan contributed 73 runs to help Pakistan post a formidable total of 215 for three. The bowlers then maintained control of the contest, restricting Sri Lanka to 133 for seven to seal a comprehensive victory. For Sri Lanka, the third T20I presents an opportunity to bounce back and finish the tour on a positive note. Captain Kusal Mendis and his teammates will be eager to address their shortcomings, particularly with the bat, after struggling to keep pace with Pakistan’s aggressive approach in the previous encounter. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and use the final fixture to further strengthen their combinations. The performances of the top-order batters, the effectiveness of the bowling attack and the contributions of the all-rounders could once again prove decisive. With the series already secured, Pakistan will enter the contest with confidence, while Sri Lanka will be determined to avoid a whitewash. Teams: PAKISTAN: Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan (capt), Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Moqim SRI LANKA: Lahiru Udara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachige, Dasun Shanaka Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Vijaykanth Viyaskanth, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan will look to complete a commanding series whitewash when they face Sri Lanka in the third and final Twenty20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with captain Sahibzada Farhan keen to see his side continue its aggressive approach after two emphatic victories. Having sealed the series 2-0, Pakistan head into the final encounter with their batting unit in impressive form, while Sri Lanka face the task of salvaging pride after being outplayed in both matches. The hosts’ 215-3 in the second T20I on Sunday was their highest-ever total in a home T20I, reflecting the intent they have sought to bring to the shortest format. With the trophy already secured, Pakistan could consider resting key players and testing their bench strength. However, the management may be reluctant to disturb a combination that has begun to click, particularly with the top order delivering consistently and the bowling unit providing timely breakthroughs. Farhan has led that transformation with scores of 89 and 73 in the first two matches, while Maaz Sadaqat has emerged as another major force. The youngster followed his 50 off 29 balls in the opening game with a blistering 96 off 51 deliveries on Sunday, underlining his ability to attack both pace and spin. Farhan said Pakistan intended to maintain the same attacking mindset regardless of the opposition or the occasion. “If I play my 50th or 100th T20 match, the demand of T20 cricket will remain the same. I will play the same way and attack in the same manner,” Farhan said in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday. He explained that the team had specifically targeted improved returns during the powerplay, aiming to push its scoring beyond the 40-45-run mark and regularly cross 50 or even 60 in the first six overs. The captain also expressed confidence in the batting depth available to Pakistan, pointing to Maaz, Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz as players capable of sustaining the momentum. “Looking at the way we are batting, I believe we can comfortably score 200-plus,” he said, crediting the batters for delivering on that ambition. Maaz’s latest innings was particularly encouraging, although he fell four runs short of what would have been his maiden T20I century. Farhan was equally impressed by the youngster’s fearless approach, saying: “He is playing brilliantly. It would have been great if he had scored a hundred, because a first T20 hundred is every batter’s dream.” Maaz, meanwhile, said performances in franchise cricket had helped strengthen his confidence at international level. “When you perform anywhere, it gives you a boost from within and builds your confidence. But when you perform for Pakistan, for your country, and help win matches, that is the most confidence-boosting feeling,” he said after Sunday’s match. Pakistan’s bowling has also played a significant role in their dominance. Salman Mirza has been effective with the new ball, while Imran Randhawa produced a match-winning spell of three wickets for just 11 runs in four overs in the second T20I. Imran, playing his first T20I series, said the team’s collective performance mattered more than individual achievements. “For me, the most important thing was winning the series for Pakistan. That is enough for me,” he said, adding that the plans communicated to him had worked as intended. The all-rounder also credited the team’s combination for their success, highlighting the contributions of Farhan and Fakhar Zaman at the top and the support provided by the bowling unit. Pakistan could nevertheless consider bringing in left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed having enjoyed relatively modest returns in the series. Sri Lanka, by contrast, have struggled to find answers despite changes in leadership, coaching and batting combinations. New captain Kusal Mendis and head coach Gary Kirsten remain in search of a winning formula, with the visitors needing significant improvement in both their batting and fielding to challenge Pakistan. Their bowlers were unable to contain the hosts on Sunday, with Maheesh Theekshana coming under pressure on a surface that offered little assistance. Missed opportunities in the field compounded their problems, allowing Pakistan to build a formidable total. Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara acknowledged that Sri Lanka had let the hosts off the hook through their fielding lapses. “If we had taken those catches, we could have reduced their total by another 20 to 30 runs,” he said, while stressing that his team would return with a better plan for the final match. Sri Lanka could make changes to their bowling attack, with Viyaskanth Vijayakanth a possible option and Dushmantha Chameera potentially returning if fit. Their batting also needs to recover, particularly after Lahiru Udara’s impressive 91 in the opening match was followed by a quieter outing in the second. Udara will be eager to make another strong impression, while Kusal Mendis and the rest of the top order must find a way to withstand Pakistan’s attack and provide a competitive platform. Rawalpindi’s batting-friendly surface is again expected to favour stroke-makers, with pleasant evening conditions forecast for Tuesday. Another high-scoring contest could be on the cards, placing a premium on Sri Lanka’s ability to execute their plans and Pakistan’s determination to sustain their momentum. For the hosts, a clean sweep would reinforce the aggressive philosophy Farhan has outlined and provide further confidence in a developing combination. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must find a response to avoid ending the series without a consolation victory.

Maaz Sadaqat hit a blistering 96 before Imran Randhawa’s miserly spell helped Pakistan thrash Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second Twenty20 International and seal the three-match series for the hosts here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Both Maaz and Imran were able to make a match-winning impact in what was only their second T20I outing after making their debuts in Friday’s opening match. While Maaz — who had hit a crucial half-century on debut — went on to showcase the more belligerent side of his potential, Imran justified his selection with precision bowling that kept Sri Lanka from getting into the game at any point during the chase. After Pakistan were restricted to 46 in the powerplay, Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz transformed the innings with a commanding 88-run partnership for the second wicket. Farhan, who survived a couple of reprieves, led the recovery with a fluent 73 off 44 balls, striking four fours and five sixes, while Maaz provided the acceleration that ultimately carried Pakistan to their highest T20I total on home soil. Fakhar Zaman had contributed 22 off 17 balls before falling to Maheesh Theekshana in the seventh over, but Maaz initially took time to settle after his arrival. He survived a leading edge that fell short of cover and was dropped by Nuwan Thushara off his own bowling on 44, before making Sri Lanka pay dearly for their lapses. The left-hander brought up his half-century off 29 balls with a towering six over long-off against Theekshana in the 15th over. What followed was a remarkable exhibition of power-hitting as Maaz plundered 22 runs from the spinner’s final over, striking three sixes to take Pakistan past 165. He continued to dismantle the bowling attack, using his feet against the pacers and finding boundaries on both sides of the wicket. His audacious scoop, reverse paddle and clean strikes over the ropes left Sri Lanka struggling for answers as Pakistan surged towards 200. Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat convene during their partnership during the second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 11, 2026.—AFP Farhan, meanwhile, brought up his half-century off 32 balls and continued to attack before Dasun Shanaka finally dismissed him in the 15th over, caught at deep third for 73. Maaz then took charge alongside Hasan Nawaz, who struck an unbeaten 19 off nine deliveries, as Pakistan collected 49 runs across the final three overs before the last. Maaz reached 96 off just 51 balls, with six fours and seven sixes, but his maiden T20I century remained agonisingly out of reach. Attempting to slice Eshan Malinga behind point off the final delivery, he found Shanaka at deep cover instead. Pakistan nevertheless finished on 215-3, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 216. Sri Lanka’s reply unravelled almost immediately. Salman Mirza, returning to international cricket after injury, removed Lahiru Udara for five in the opening over, before Imran struck to dismiss Sineth Jayawardena for 22 at the end of the powerplay. Imran then delivered the decisive blows in the eighth over, removing captain Kusal Mendis for nine and Sahan Arachchige for a duck off successive deliveries, with wicket-keeper Khawaja Nafay taking two sharp catches. His figures improved to 3-9 after three overs, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 49-4. The 29-year-old completed an outstanding spell of four overs for just 11 runs and three wickets, conceding only five runs in his first two overs. Dasun Shanaka fell to Saim Ayub for nine, while Shadab Khan dismissed Kamindu Mendis for 23 to leave the visitors at 74-6. Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Maheesh Theekshana offered some resistance with a seventh-wicket stand of 50, but the required rate had climbed beyond reach. Chamindu made 29 before falling to Salman Mirza, who finished with two wickets, while Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32 off 26 balls. Pakistan’s Imran Randhawa (L) and Fakhar Zaman (R) celebrate during the second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 11, 2026.—AFP Sri Lanka closed on 133-7, handing Pakistan an emphatic 82-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series ahead of Tuesday’s final match. Farhan, celebrating his first series victory as Pakistan captain, praised his side’s improved six-hitting and attacking intent, while Sri Lanka skipper Mendis admitted his batters needed to take greater responsibility on a surface suited to stroke-making. Maaz was named player of the match for his explosive innings, but Imran’s disciplined spell ensured that Pakistan’s outstanding batting display translated into a series-clinching victory.

Maaz Sadaqat struck a blistering 96 off 51 balls to power Pakistan to 215-3 against Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, narrowly missing out on a maiden T20I century in a commanding batting display. The left-hander, who had announced himself with a half-century on debut in the series opener, smashed six fours and seven sixes to help Pakistan finish with a formidable total after Sri Lanka opted to field. Captain Sahibzada Farhan provided equally important support, scoring 73 off 44 deliveries, with four boundaries and five sixes, as the pair added 88 runs for the second wicket. Maaz walked in after Fakhar Zaman fell for 22 off 17 balls off spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the seventh over, with Pakistan at 55-1. He survived an early scare when a leading edge fell short of the cover fielder, before gradually shifting gears alongside Farhan. Farhan, who had started cautiously, found his rhythm with a slog-swept six over cow corner against Theekshana. Maaz responded with a powerful drive over the bowler’s head for two before launching another delivery over long-on. The left-hander also reverse-paddled Dasun Shanaka for four and charged down the track to dispatch him over long-on. Sri Lanka’s fielding offered Pakistan crucial reprieves. Sineth Jayawardena dropped a straightforward chance off Farhan at short third in the fourth over, while Theekshana could not hold a difficult opportunity at midwicket. Farhan made the most of his escapes, reaching his half-century off 32 balls with a single against pacer Eshan Malinga in the 10th over. Maaz brought up his second consecutive fifty in just 29 deliveries, launching Theekshana over long-off in the 15th over. By then, the partnership had transformed Pakistan’s innings, with the batters repeatedly exploiting gaps and punishing loose deliveries. Farhan struck successive sixes against Theekshana before reaching 73, but his innings ended when he slashed Shanaka towards deep third in the 15th over. Jayawardena, who had earlier dropped him, completed the catch. Maaz then took charge, combining clean hitting with inventive strokeplay. He smashed Theekshana for three sixes in the 16th over, including one over midwicket and another over long-off. He continued to target the leg side, while also carving boundaries behind point and scooping Nuwan Thushara over short fine leg. Hasan Nawaz added impetus with an unbeaten 19 off nine balls as Pakistan crossed 200 in the 19th over. Maaz moved to 92 with two boundaries against Thushara but could not find the final push for his century. Malinga produced an excellent final over, mixing slower deliveries and a superb yorker to deny the batter. Maaz missed two attempted slices before collecting two runs twice, but was caught by Shanaka at deep cover off the final ball, departing on 96.

Pakistan will look to seal the series after a comprehensive four-wicket victory on the back of skipper Sahibzada Farhan’s scintillating 89 and Maaz Sadaqat’s maiden half century in the first T20I. In the post-match press conference after the match, top-order batter Maaz said that he planned on backing his natural game and play the way he has been playing, Pakistan accomplished the 183-run target largely untroubled, achieving it seven balls to spare, despite a cluster of wickets falling at the toe-end of the innings. “It was my first 50 so I am very happy,” said Maaz, who scored a maiden, blistering T20 international half-century off 26 balls at one-drop. “The plan for upcoming matches is to play the way I have been playing and back it.” The series Farhan’s first assignment at home as captain, and its outcome and findings could be formative for a Pakistan T20 side that is somewhat in the process of a re-build, with senior mainstays like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi not currently part of the squad. It provides an opportunity for the management and the new skipper to further assess team combinations and line-ups. “It would be a lie to say there is no pressure, because when you are representing your country, people have expectations from you,” the captain said. ‘‘As a captain, I am very happy with this team… (In T20s) I think three or four boys perform and it is enough to turn the tables in a match.” Teams: PAKISTAN: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay (wicket-keeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Imran, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed SRI LANKA: Lahiru Udara, Sineth Jayasuriya, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicket-keeper), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka on Sunday evening for the second of a three-match Twenty20 international series, where the Green Shirts will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead and seal the series. Pakistan’s standout performers, Maaz Sadaqat and skipper Sahibzada Farhan will look to replicate their respective strong outings from Friday, with both declaring their commitment to playing their natural game in a way that the modern format demands. In the post-match press conference after the first match on Friday, top-order batter Maaz said that he planned on backing his natural game and play the way he has been playing, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets, accomplished with a largely untroubled chase of the 183-run target which they achieved with seven balls remaining, despite a cluster of wickets falling at the toe-end of the innings. “It was my first 50 so I am very happy,” said Maaz, who scored a maiden, blistering T20 international half-century off 26 balls at one-drop. “The plan for upcoming matches is to play the way I have been playing and back it.” Maaz’s rich vein of form can be traced back to last month’s Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), where he scored 363 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of almost 175. His campaign also included two centuries, one of which came in the competition’s final. In the second match of the series, Maaz can potentially cement his spot in the side further. It could also be interesting to note whether Maaz remains at one-drop, or if Pakistan want to test him as an opener. Maaz himself believes the two positions are interchangeable, which he said whilst answering a question about whether taking over the position Babar Azam normally played in was a source of extra pressure. “I am comfortable in this position, but for Pakistan I am prepared to bat at any position,” he said. Farhan, too, backed Maaz. “I think, the sort of form Maaz is in, he is one of the best players,” he said after the first match. “I told him to take advantage of his current form,” he said, adding that he was “very happy” as his captain. “Today I told him, now that you have the opportunity, you should complete your 50. If you complete your 5o, we can finish this match three or four overs earlier,” Farhan later told the broadcaster in the post-match show. The skipper was named player of the match himself for his 53-ball-89, in his third match as T20I captain following the two matches that were part of the team’s silver-winning Asian Games campaign. He added that he had changed the way he played over the last year to strike at at least 150-160 instead of the lower strike rates he used to record before, because such is the demand of the modern game. Echoing Maaz’s sentiment, he added that he will continue to bat the way he has been batting and not change it as long as the game demanded it, “whether I am captain or not.” The series is his first assignment at home as captain, and its outcome and findings could be formative for a Pakistan T20 side that is somewhat in the process of a re-build, with senior mainstays like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi not currently part of the squad. It provides an opportunity for the management and the new skipper to further assess team combinations and line-ups. “It would be a lie to say there is no pressure, because when you are representing your country, people have expectations from you,” the captain said. ‘‘As a captain, I am very happy with this team… (In T20s) I think three or four boys perform and it is enough to turn the tables in a match.” “If you look at it, we have Arafat Minhas as a backup. We have Abdul Samad, Sufiyan Muqeem. So, our back-up strength is very strong,” he said, adding that this bench strength also meant that the playing combinations were not fixed and that they could always experiment and change in upcoming matches. Whether Pakistan chooses to actually test the strength of its bench could be another interesting element to look out for, going into this second match. All of them have made a case for themselves: Arafat bowled a disciplined spell of 2-23 in three overs in the Asian Games semi-final. And though not in the same format, he has already starred in the greens, picking up a Player of the Series award in his debut One-day International series against Australia earlier this year. Abdul Samad’s clinical 15-ball-30 against Bangladesh played a starring role in the team reaching the gold-medal match in the Asian Games. And while Sufiyan’s returns against India were not entirely prodigal, he is still coming off the back of a T20 season that saw him named Player of the Tournament in Peshawar Zalmi’s Pakistan Super League title-winning run and, more recently, be named Player of the Final in the CPL for a record spell of 4-14. Pakistan’s previous T20 sides were often criticised for not using bilateral fixtures to amply experiment and give match time to young players, focusing too much on the results as opposed to the long-term process. Maaz, for example, was asked in the press conference whether Shadab Khan was occupying a space that could potentially have gone to a younger player (to which his response was simple: “He was selected on merit.”) Whether Pakistan seek to play a fresher XI tonight, or chooses to not fix what was not broken in the first match, remains to be seen.

Sahibzada Farhan marked his first match as Pakistan’s full-time Twenty20 International captain with a commanding 89 as the hosts chased down Sri Lanka’s 182-8 to secure a four-wicket victory with seven balls to spare in the opening match of the three-game series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Farhan struck 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball knock, while Maaz Sadaqat smashed a maiden T20I half-century to put Pakistan firmly on course for victory. Their 92-run second-wicket partnership proved decisive as Pakistan reached 187-6 in 18.5 overs. The hosts made a flying start to the 183-run chase, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman adding 54 for the opening wicket. Fakhar struck four boundaries in his 13-ball 21 before falling to Eshan Malinga in the final over of the powerplay, by which time Pakistan had raced to 70-1. Maaz immediately maintained the momentum, taking advantage of loose deliveries to punish the Sri Lankan bowlers. He swept Maheesh Theekshana past fine leg for four before Farhan launched the spinner for six as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark in the 10th over. The left-hander continued to attack, smashing Dunith Wellalage over long-on for six before Farhan brought up his half-century off 33 balls. Maaz reached his maiden T20I fifty off just 21 deliveries in the 13th over, striking four fours and three sixes in an innings that gave Pakistan control of the chase. Farhan then took Theekshana apart in the 14th over, sweeping him over long-on for six before adding two more boundaries. The spinner, however, ended Maaz’s 29-ball knock of 50 by trapping him leg-before, leaving Pakistan at 146-2. Sri Lanka briefly threatened to turn the contest around as Hasan Nawaz was caught behind off Dushmantha Chameera for one and Theekshana bowled Saim Ayub for eight in successive overs. Pakistan slipped to 156-4, but Farhan remained the key to the chase. After two quieter overs, the captain attacked Nuwan Thushara in the 18th, striking a boundary through square leg before launching a low full toss over extra cover for six. His innings ended at 89 when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige in the deep off the next delivery, with Pakistan needing just four runs for victory. Shadab Khan fell for a duck, caught off Malinga, but Khawaja Nafay ensured there was no late drama. He finished unbeaten on 12 off seven balls, including a six over long-on, as Pakistan reached their target in 18.5 overs. Mohammad Imran remained not out on nought. Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 182-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Lahiru Udara anchoring the innings through a superb 91 off 55 balls. The batter struck 11 fours and a six, lifting Sri Lanka from 83-4 after Pakistan’s bowlers had made early inroads. Naseem Shah removed captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over, while debutant Mohammad Imran dismissed Kamil Mishara for six. Udara then joined Kamindu Mendis in a counterattack that brought 60 runs for the third wicket. Kamindu made 23 off 18 balls, hitting four boundaries, before falling to Saim, caught by Fakhar at long-off. Two balls later, Sahan Arachchige departed for one after Shadab took a fine catch at point off Imran. Undeterred, Udara brought up his maiden T20I half-century off 32 balls and continued to score freely. Dasun Shanaka contributed 18 off 15 balls, including two sixes, before Fakhar caught him off Shadab with Sri Lanka at 140-5. Udara survived a missed chance on 77 when spinner Abrar Ahmed misjudged a high catch, but his innings ended nine runs short of a century when Naseem had him caught by Hasan at long-on in the final ball of the 19th over. Naseem finished with 3-36 from four overs, while Imran claimed 2-21. Razaullah took his maiden T20I wicket in the final over, dismissing Theekshana for one, before Dushmantha Chameera struck a boundary off a free hit to help Sri Lanka finish on 182-8. Despite Udara’s effort, Pakistan’s aggressive top-order batting proved decisive. Farhan’s captain’s knock and Maaz’s rapid half-century gave the hosts a winning start to the series, while Sri Lanka were left to rue their inability to stem the scoring during the middle overs.

Lahiru Udara struck a superb 91 off 55 balls to lift Sri Lanka to 182-8 after they elected to bat in the opening match of the three-game Twenty20 International series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. The batter smashed 11 fours and a six to anchor the innings, recovering from an early collapse as Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah claimed three wickets. Sri Lanka’s total was boosted by 29 extras, including 18 wides, as the hosts struggled to contain the scoring. Sri Lanka made a shaky start, losing captain Kusal Mendis for one in the first over before Kamil Mishara departed for six off 13 balls, leaving the visitors at 18-2 in the fourth over. Debutant Mohammad Imran accounted for Mishara, while Naseem removed Kusal to put Pakistan on top. The innings gathered momentum in the powerplay, with Sri Lanka reaching 52-2 before Kamindu Mendis joined Udara in a counter-attacking stand. The pair took 14 runs off Shadab Khan’s first over after the fielding restrictions were lifted, before bringing up their 50-run partnership off just 33 balls in the following over. Kamindu struck four boundaries in his 18-ball 23, including a reverse-sweep against spinner Abrar Ahmed, but fell at 78 in the 10th over after Saim Ayub lured him into a false shot. Fakhar Zaman took the catch at long-off. Sri Lanka suffered another setback two balls later when Sahan Arachchige was dismissed for one, caught by a flying Shadab brilliantly at point off Imran, leaving the score at 83-4. Udara, however, continued to counterattack, bringing up his maiden T20I half-century off 32 balls in the 12th over. He followed it with a sweep for four and added three more off the next delivery to take Sri Lanka past the 100-run mark before driving Abrar through the covers for another boundary. Dasun Shanaka provided further impetus with two sixes in his 15-ball 18. One sailed over the boundary after Hasan Nawaz failed to complete the fielding effort, while the other came off Shadab in the 16th over. Shanaka was dismissed later in the same over, caught by Fakhar, with Sri Lanka at 140-5. Pakistan were handed a reprieve when Udara, on 77, skied an attempted big hit against Abrar, only for the spinner to misjudge the catch. The missed opportunity proved costly as Udara continued to score freely. Naseem then bowled Dunith Wellalage for five in the 19th over, but Udara responded with a boundary off a ramp shot before his innings ended on 91, caught by Hasan at long-on off Naseem on the final ball of the over. He fell nine runs short of a century, with Sri Lanka at 172-7. Naseem finished with 3-36 from four overs, while Imran returned 2-21 from his full quota. Saim and Shadab claimed one wicket apiece, with Shadab conceding 33 runs in three overs. Abrar went wicketless despite giving away 36 runs in four overs. Razaullah, meanwhile, claimed his maiden T20I wicket in the final over, dismissing Maheesh Theekshana for one. Dushmantha Chameera struck a boundary off a free hit and finished unbeaten on six off three balls. Despite Udara’s innings providing the backbone of the total, Pakistan’s late strikes restricted Sri Lanka to 50 runs in the final five overs while picking up four wickets.