Pakistan maintained their perfect start in the tri-series, cruising to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka on a tricky batting surface. Chasing a modest 129, Pakistan reached the target in 15.3 overs, powered by Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten 80 and a brilliant three-wicket spell from Mohammad Nawaz.
Farhan dominated the chase from the outset, hitting five sixes and six fours off just 45 balls. His standout partnership came with Babar Azam, as the duo put on 69 runs, steering Pakistan safely past the finish line with ease. Farhan struck most deliveries between cover and midwicket, particularly punishing the legspinners Wanindu Hasaranga and V Viyaskanth.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings struggled from the start. Kamil Mishara provided the only early spark with 22 off 12 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Pakistan’s seamers applied pressure in the powerplay, with Mohammad Wasim Jr. forcing a run-out and restricting scoring.
In the middle overs, Mohammad Nawaz delivered a masterclass, taking 3 for 16 in four overs, including two sensational dismissals of Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka. Nawaz bowled with precision and clever variations, keeping the Sri Lankan batters in check and virtually unhittable.
Sri Lanka’s legspinner V Viyaskanth made history as the first born-and-raised player from Jaffna to appear in a televised international match, but he struggled on debut, finishing with figures of 0 for 28.
With this victory, Pakistan tops the tri-series table with two wins from two, while Sri Lanka remain winless, still searching for their first triumph in the competition.
