Pakistan kicked off their T20 World Cup preparations in style, cruising to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
Electing to bowl first under cloudy skies, the visitors produced a disciplined bowling effort to bundle the hosts out for a modest 128. In response, a blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan ensured Pakistan chased down the target with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed sizzle with bowling brilliance
The Sri Lankan innings never truly gathered momentum after being asked to bat. Pakistan’s new-ball pair of Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr. struck early blows, removing openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka inside the powerplay to leave the hosts reeling at 16/2.
While Janith Liyanage offered some resistance with a fighting 40 off 31 balls, he lacked support from the other end. The middle order crumbled against the spin variations of Abrar Ahmed (3/25) and the returning Shadab Khan (2/25). A late-order collapse saw Sri Lanka lose their last five wickets for just 22 runs, eventually being bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs.
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Sahibzada Farhan blazes away in chase
The match marked a successful return for all-rounder Shadab, who was named Player of the Match. Playing his first international game since his shoulder surgery, Shadab looked sharp with the ball, picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs. He later contributed a calm unbeaten 18 to guide the team home, proving his fitness and form ahead of the marquee tournament next month.
Defending a small total, Sri Lanka needed early wickets, but Pakistan’s openers had other ideas. Farhan launched a counter-attack, smashing a fluent 51 off just 36 deliveries (4 fours, 2 sixes). His aggressive intent in the powerplay effectively killed the contest early, despite Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/17) picking up consolation wickets.
Although Pakistan lost a few quick wickets in the middle, the required run rate was never an issue. Shadab and Usman Khan (7*) finished the job clinically in the 17th over.
Pakistan won the 1st T20I by 6 wickets ⚡#SLvsPAK #ShadabKhan pic.twitter.com/R9dovhCT31
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026
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