Pakistan Secures Convincing Victory Over Sri Lanka in First T20I
Pakistan Dominates Sri Lanka in T20I Opener
Dambulla [Sri Lanka], January 8: Pakistan showcased a commanding performance, clinching a six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of their three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
This triumph gives the Men in Green a 1-0 advantage in the series, with veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan earning the Player of the Match title for his significant contributions.
Sri Lanka struggled, being dismissed for a modest score of 128 runs in 19.2 overs. Janith Liyanage was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring 40 runs off 31 balls, which included two fours and a six. Wanindu Hasaranga added 18 runs from 12 balls, hitting three fours.
Pakistan's bowling attack was led by Salman Mirza, who took 3 wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Mohammad Wasim Jr claimed 2 wickets for just 7 runs in 2.2 overs. Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed also contributed with 2/25 and 3/25 respectively.
In pursuit of 129 runs, opener Sahibzada Farhan delivered a stellar performance, scoring 51 runs off 36 balls, supported by four boundaries and two sixes. Saim Ayub chipped in with 24 runs off 18 balls, helping Pakistan secure the win by six wickets.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dhananjaya de Silva each took one wicket, with their best figures being 1/17 from Hasaranga.
Following the match, Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha remarked, “I didn’t anticipate dew due to the earlier weather. However, there was significant dew after the first few overs of the second innings. Initially, I thought a target of 150 would be tough, but the dew changed my perspective, suggesting we needed around 170. We are aware of our roles as we prepare for the World Cup, and I believe we need to enhance our fielding.”
Shadab Khan, after receiving the Player of the Match award, expressed, “Returning from injury is always challenging at the international level. I’m thrilled with today’s outcome. My experience in the Big Bash boosted my confidence in both bowling and batting. I focused on the basics, and the pitch conditions were favorable. I aimed to bowl fuller deliveries as the ball was gripping. As a player, competing at the highest level is always the goal, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. Our team performed exceptionally well, and Mirza and Wasim set a solid foundation for us spinners.”