Rawalpindi: Sahibzada Farhan made a spectacular start to his tenure as Pakistan’s T20I captain, scoring 89 runs to guide his team to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9.

Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Farhan’s commanding innings and a half-century from Maaz Sadaqat helped the hosts complete the chase despite losing wickets along the way.

Farhan delivers under pressure on captaincy debut

Farhan, leading Pakistan in a bilateral T20I series for the first time, played a crucial role in the successful chase. The opening batter scored 89 off 53 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes, and was named Player of the Match for his performance.

His innings gave Pakistan the momentum needed to overcome Sri Lanka’s competitive total. Farhan showed a blend of controlled batting and attacking stroke play, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable through the middle overs.

Pakistan began the chase positively through Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. The opening pair added 54 runs before Fakhar departed in the sixth over after scoring 21 off 13 balls, including four boundaries.

Farhan then combined with Maaz Sadaqat to build the innings and put Pakistan in a strong position. Their 92-run partnership for the second wicket proved decisive, shifting the pressure firmly onto the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Maaz Sadaqat adds a rapid half-century

Sadaqat complemented Farhan’s innings with an aggressive knock of 50 off 29 deliveries. His innings included four fours and three sixes, providing Pakistan with the acceleration required during the middle phase of the chase.

The partnership gave Pakistan a strong platform to finish the match inside 19 overs. Sadaqat’s dismissal in the 14th over briefly interrupted the momentum, but Farhan continued to anchor the chase.

Farhan fell in the 18th over after bringing Pakistan close to victory. Khawaja Nafay, who remained unbeaten on 12 off seven balls, helped complete the chase alongside the remaining batters.

The result was particularly significant for Farhan, who was handed the T20I captaincy ahead of the series against Sri Lanka. His performance offered an encouraging start to Pakistan’s new leadership arrangement.

Lahiru Udara’s 91 lifts Sri Lanka to 182

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

Lahiru Udara was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring 91 off 55 balls. His innings featured 11 fours and a six, giving Sri Lanka a strong batting foundation despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Udara’s contribution was particularly important after Pakistan made an early breakthrough by dismissing Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis. The opening wicket fell at nine runs, putting the visitors under immediate pressure.

However, Udara continued to score freely and helped Sri Lanka recover. Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 off 18 balls, while Dasun Shanaka added 18 off 15 deliveries. Their efforts helped the visitors maintain a competitive scoring rate.

Udara narrowly missed out on a century when he was dismissed in the 19th over. His innings remained the defining contribution of Sri Lanka’s batting effort, but the team could not capitalise fully on his performance in the closing overs.

Naseem Shah and Mohammad Imran lead Pakistan’s bowling

Pakistan’s bowlers played an important role in restricting Sri Lanka to 182 for eight. Naseem Shah finished with three wickets for 36 runs, providing key breakthroughs at important moments.

T20I debutant Mohammad Imran also made an encouraging impression, taking two wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. His disciplined spell helped Pakistan contain the Sri Lankan batting line-up and prevent the visitors from pushing their total beyond 200.

Razaullah, another Pakistan debutant, claimed one wicket, while Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan also took a wicket each.

Although Udara’s innings kept Sri Lanka competitive, Pakistan’s bowling effort ensured the hosts had a target they could realistically chase on their home ground.

Pakistan begin a new phase in T20I cricket

The opening match marked an important point in Pakistan’s preparations for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Farhan’s appointment followed a series of leadership changes in the national T20I team, with Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha having previously held the captaincy.

Salman Ali Agha was dropped from the T20I squad, while Farhan was entrusted with leading the side. The new captain had also helped Pakistan secure a silver medal at the recent Asian Games in Japan, adding to his credentials ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

The victory gives Pakistan an early advantage in the three-match contest and offers Farhan a positive beginning in his new role. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to address their bowling performance and build on Udara’s impressive contribution.

Second T20I scheduled for October 11

The second T20I will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 11. Pakistan will aim to extend their lead and seal the series, while Sri Lanka will need a stronger all-round performance to level the contest.

Farhan’s captaincy debut has given Pakistan plenty of encouragement, but the remaining matches will provide a clearer indication of how the team adapts to its new leadership and builds consistency ahead of future international assignments.