PNN: Pakistan secured a commanding six‑wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening T20 International at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday, driven by disciplined bowling and a composed half‑century from opener Sahibzada Farhan.
After restricting the hosts to a modest 128, Pakistan chased down the target with authority, reaching 129 for four in just 16.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to field first proved spot-on as his bowlers struck early and never allowed Sri Lanka to settle. The home side endured a torrid start, losing both openers, Kamil Mishara for a duck and Pathum Nissanka for 12, inside the first four overs to slump to 15 for two.
A brief recovery was attempted by Dhananjaya de Silva (10) and Kusal Mendis (14), but the pair fell in quick succession as Sri Lanka slid to 38 for four. With wickets tumbling, Janith Liyanage emerged as the lone resistance, anchoring the innings with a determined 40 off 31 balls, including two fours and a six.Liyanage stitched useful partnerships with Charith Asalanka and WaninduHasaranga, both of whom scored 18, but regular breakthroughs ensured Sri Lanka never gained momentum.
Abrar Ahmed dismissed Liyanage in the 18th over, while left-arm pacer Salman Mirza struck twice in the penultimate over to remove Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs.Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza led Pakistan’s bowling effort with three wickets apiece, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with two each.
In reply, Pakistan got off to a flying start through Farhan and Saim Ayub, who added 59 runs inside the powerplay. Ayub played a lively cameo of 24 off 18 balls before being bowled by MaheeshTheekshana.Farhan continued to anchor the chase, adding 35 runs with skipper Salman Ali Agha and later guiding the innings with composure. The right-hander top-scored with a fluent 51 off 36 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes.
Although Pakistan lost Farhan and Fakhar Zaman in quick succession, the target was never in doubt. Shadab Khan (18* off 12) and wicketkeeper Usman Khan (7* off 13) calmly steered Pakistan home with an unbroken stand to seal a comfortable win.The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Friday.