Sahibzada Farhan marked his first match as Pakistan’s T20I captain with a blistering 89, leading the hosts to an four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I in Rawalpindi.

Sri Lanka managed 182 after opting to bat, with Lahiru Udara producing an outstanding 91 off 55 balls. However, Pakistan’s aggressive response proved too much for the visitors as Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat combined to take the hosts home comfortably and give them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan raced to 70 in the powerplay and maintained their momentum throughout the chase, reaching the target with plenty of time to spare.

Udara Shines Amid Sri Lanka’s Batting Struggles

Sri Lanka struggled to find their rhythm early in the innings, losing two wickets inside the first four overs while scoring at barely a run per ball.

Kamil Mishara took nine deliveries to get off the mark, reflecting Sri Lanka’s difficulties against Pakistan’s disciplined opening spell. The hosts, meanwhile, would later demonstrate how effectively the powerplay could be used on the same surface.

Udara emerged as Sri Lanka’s standout performer, holding the innings together while wickets continued to fall at the other end.

The opener combined elegant strokeplay with calculated aggression, finding boundaries through the off side and clearing the ropes when opportunities arose. He adapted his approach as the innings progressed, first stabilising the innings before accelerating to keep Sri Lanka competitive.

Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka offered some support, but neither could build a substantial partnership with Udara.

His dismissal in the penultimate over triggered a late collapse, with Sri Lanka losing three wickets in five balls before finishing on 182. Udara’s 91 off 55 deliveries proved the innings’ defining contribution, but the lack of substantial support left the visitors short of a more imposing total.

Mohammad Imran Makes an Immediate Impact

Pakistan’s bowling effort was particularly effective at key moments, despite conceding 29 extras.

Debutant Mohammad Imran delivered an impressive performance, finishing with figures of 2 for 21. Opening the bowling alongside Naseem Shah, Imran used movement off the pitch to trouble Sri Lanka’s batters and conceded just one run in his opening over.

He returned during the middle overs and immediately struck with his first delivery, interrupting Sri Lanka’s attempt to accelerate.

His control and ability to take wickets at crucial stages helped Pakistan prevent Udara’s innings from translating into a much bigger total.

Farhan and Sadaqat Take Pakistan Home

Pakistan’s chase was in stark contrast to Sri Lanka’s difficult start.

Farhan and Fakhar Zaman attacked from the outset, helping Pakistan reach 70 in the powerplay and placing immediate pressure on the visitors’ bowling attack.

Zaman’s aggressive contribution provided the platform for Farhan, who continued the assault after the early partnership ended.

The captain struck 89 from 53 balls, combining power with consistent boundary-scoring to keep Pakistan ahead of the required rate.

At the other end, Maaz Sadaqat produced an equally impressive display. The young batter reached his half-century in just 28 balls and joined Farhan in a match-defining partnership worth 92 runs.

Their stand ensured Pakistan never allowed Sri Lanka to regain control of the contest. Sadaqat’s attacking approach complemented Farhan’s innings, with the pair dismantling a bowling attack that struggled to contain them.

Pakistan completed the chase with four wickets remaining, securing a convincing victory in the series opener.

Sri Lanka Have Work to Do

For Sri Lanka, Udara’s outstanding innings was one of the few positives from a disappointing performance. The visitors will need greater contributions from their middle order and a more effective powerplay approach if they are to challenge Pakistan in the remaining matches.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will take considerable confidence from Farhan’s commanding start as captain and Imran’s impressive debut.

The second T20I will be played in Rawalpindi on October 11, with Sri Lanka needing a response to keep the series alive.