Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I sees dominant all-round performance

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I delivered a commanding and clinical performance from Pakistan as they defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at Dambulla, wrapping up the chase with 20 balls to spare and taking a 1–0 lead in the T20I series. The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I showcased Pakistan’s superior bowling discipline and confident batting under pressure.

Sri Lanka Struggle Against New-Ball Attack

Asked to bat first on a damp surface that had remained under covers due to rain, Sri Lanka found conditions difficult from the outset. Pakistan’s new-ball duo Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr bowled with tight lines and intelligent lengths, exploiting the tacky pitch and choking run flow in the powerplay.

Shadab Khan’s Impactful Return Strengthens Pakistan

The introduction of Shadab Khan, playing his first match for Pakistan since June 2025, further tightened Pakistan’s grip. He struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Kusal Mendis lbw before removing Dhananjaya de Silva with a sharp googly that induced an edge.

Shadab extracted turn and control throughout his spell, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 25 in four overs, underlining a successful and influential return.

Pakistan Openers Launch Aggressive Chase

Pakistan’s reply in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I was assertive and aggressive. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan immediately took control, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the required rate comfortably in check.

Ayub struck Maheesh Theekshana for an early six, while Farhan hammered Nuwan Thushara for consecutive maximums as Pakistan surged to 59 without loss in 5.5 overs.

Farhan’s Half-Century Keeps Pakistan Ahead

Although Ayub fell for a brisk 24, bowled by Theekshana, the momentum remained firmly with Pakistan. Farhan continued to dominate the seamers, reaching his half-century off 35 balls, ensuring the chase never drifted into danger.

Brief Middle-Order Stutter Fails to Shift Momentum

Pakistan briefly lost three wickets for 12 runs around the 12th over, but with a modest target and ample deliveries remaining, the result of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I was never in serious doubt.

Shadab Finishes in Style, Earns Top Honours

Shadab Khan capped a memorable all-round performance with a calm 18 not out off 12 balls, steering Pakistan across the line with confidence. His decisive contribution with both bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award.