Pakistan take T20 series lead
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
Sahibzada Farhan's rapid 89 on his captaincy debut in T20 internationals, together with a half-century from Maaz Sadaqat, carried Pakistan to a comfortable win over Sri Lanka in the first T20 international tonight (09th).
Batting first in the match played in Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka posted 182 for 6. However, the Pakistan batters attacked from the outset, collecting 70 runs in 6 overs to seize control of the game. They did not slow down thereafter either, passing the target before the 20 overs were up to seal a 6-wicket victory.
Facing only 53 balls, Farhan made 89 runs decorated with sixes and fours to become the main strength of the Pakistan innings. Giving him excellent support, Maaz Sadaqat completed his half-century in 28 balls while scoring at a quick rate. The 92-run partnership built between the pair proved decisive in taking Pakistan to victory. Earlier, Fakhar Zaman too batted aggressively from the start to give Pakistan a successful beginning.
Sri Lanka, who won the toss and chose to bat first, were unable to score at the expected rate. Opening batter Kamil Mishara needed nine balls to get off the mark, and by the end of the fourth over Sri Lanka had lost two wickets. Several attempted shots aimed at finding the gaps between the fielders in the powerplay overs did not come off, and with risky shot selection as well, Sri Lanka were unable to make the most of the opening overs.
Although Sri Lanka managed to lift the scoring rate in the final few overs, it was not easy to make up for the runs lost early on. Nevertheless, opening batter Lahiru Udara alone handled the Pakistan bowlers successfully and breathed life into the Sri Lankan innings.
Lahiru Udara, who became the only standout batter in the Sri Lankan innings, made 91 runs off 55 balls. His innings included elegant fours and sixes, and blending pace with control, he was able to maintain his scoring rate even after the powerplay.
Udara, who batted aggressively at the start, later also took on the responsibility of building the innings as wickets fell at the other end. He handled both the fast bowlers and the spinners successfully, scoring in particular through shots played across the off-side region.
Although he received some support from Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka could not sustain those partnerships for long. As a result, Udara was left to face the difficult challenge of keeping the scoring rate up while protecting wickets on his own.
Udara's dismissal before the final over of the innings was a severe loss for Sri Lanka, and with three more wickets falling within five balls thereafter, Sri Lanka were unable to finish the closing stage of their innings as they had hoped.
Sri Lanka 182 for 6 in 20 overs – Lahiru Udara 91, Kusal Mendis 01, Kamil Mishara 06, Kamindu Mendis 23, Sahan Arachchige 01, Dasun Shanaka 18, Dunith Wellalage 05, Maheesh Theekshana 01, Dushmantha Chameera 06*, Eshan Malinga 01*, Naseem Shah 36/3, Mohammad Imran 21/2
Pakistan 187 for 6 in 18.5 overs – Sahibzada Farhan 89, Fakhar Zaman 21, Maaz Sadaqat 50, Hasan Nawaz 01, Saim Ayub 08, Khawaja Nafay 12, Shadab Khan 00, Mohammad Imran 00*, Maheesh Theekshana 36/2, Eshan Malinga 33/2, Nuwan Thushara 32/1, Dushmantha Chameera 40/1
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting