Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 9 October 2026. Sahibzada Farhan scored 89 runs in the first match of the series to help Pakistan chase 183 and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Farhan’s innings and Maaz Sadaqat’s half-century played an important role in Pakistan’s successful chase.
Sri Lanka Score 182/8 in 20 Overs
Sri Lanka got to first ball after winning the toss but lost captain Kusal Mendis early. For a competitive total the team needed a good batting performance.
Lahiru Udara led the innings with 91 runs from 55 balls. He hit 11 fours and one six keeping Sri Lanka in the game despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Kamindu Mendis scored 23 runs, while Dasun Shanaka scored 18. Their contributions helped Sri Lanka to 182/8 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers also played a crucial role in limiting the visitors. Naseem Shah took 3 wickets for 36 runs, while Mohammad Imran Randhawa took two wickets for 21 runs.
Sahibzada Farhan Leads Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan needed 183 runs to win and made a positive start. Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 54 runs for the opening wicket. Fakhar scored 21 from 13 balls before getting out.
Farhan continued to attack the bowlers and built an important partnership with Maaz Sadaqat. Maaz scored 50 runs from 29 balls with four fours and three sixes.
The pair added 92 runs for the second wicket, putting Pakistan in a strong position. Maaz’s first T20I half-century helped ease the pressure on the middle order.
Farhan remained the main force in the chase. He scored 89 runs from 53 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes.
Pakistan lost a few wickets towards the end, but the team remained on track. Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 as Pakistan reached 187/6 in 18.5 overs to win the match by four wickets.
Farhan was awarded Player of the Match for his performance.
What went right for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s strong batting partnerships made the difference. Farhan took charge of the chase and Maaz provided valuable support with his half-century.
Sri Lanka will need more runs from its other batters and a better bowling performance in the next match. Udara played an excellent innings, but the team could not defend its total.
What to Expect in the Second T20I
The second T20I is scheduled for October 11 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan will also get the chance to extend its lead and win the series, and Sri Lanka will try to level the contest.
Match Summary
Match Summary
- Date: October 9, 2026
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Sri Lanka: 182/8 in 20 overs
- Pakistan: 187/6 in 18.5 overs
- Result: Pakistan won by four wickets
- Top scorer: Sahibzada Farhan – 89 runs
- Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan
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