Farhan inspires Pakistan to opening win over Sri Lanka: 1st T20 (Rawalpindi)

Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the charge as Pakistan handily defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I at Rawalpindi, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka posted 182/8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to an outstanding innings from Lahiru Udara, who scored 91 off 55 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Pakistan’s Naseem Shah claimed three wickets for 36 runs, while Mohammad Imran impressed on his T20I debut with figures of 2/21.

Pakistan’s chase was powered by Sahibzada Farhan, who struck a superb 89 off 53 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. He received excellent support from Maaz Sadaqat, who scored 50 off 29 balls, as the pair combined for a crucial 92-run partnership for the second wicket to put Pakistan firmly in control.

Despite losing wickets in the closing stages, Pakistan reached 187/6 in 18.5 overs to seal victory with seven balls to spare.

Farhan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution, while Sri Lanka were left to rue their inability to contain Pakistan’s top-order aggression.

Pakistan 187 for 6 (Farhan 89, Sadaqat 50, Malinga 2-33) beat Sri Lanka 182 for 8 (Udara 91, Naseem 3-36, Imran 2-21) by 4 wickets.

Oct 2026.