Pakistan kicked off their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a convincing six-wicket victory at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Saturday. The win gives the visitors a crucial 1-0 lead in the series.
Comfortable Chase Seals the Deal
Chasing a target of 166 set by Sri Lanka, Pakistan's batting lineup displayed composure and control. The chase was anchored by a steady partnership at the top. Mohammad Rizwan played a pivotal unbeaten knock of 42 runs off 41 balls, while captain Babar Azam contributed 28 runs from 22 deliveries. Their efforts ensured Pakistan never lost momentum in the run chase.
The middle order efficiently finished the job. Iftikhar Ahmed provided a quickfire 16 not out from just 8 balls, hitting the winning runs with a boundary. Pakistan reached the target of 166 with six wickets in hand and a full over to spare, showcasing their dominance in the match's final stages.
Sri Lanka's Innings: A Tale of Two Halves
Earlier, after being put into bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 165 for 5 in their 20 overs. The innings was built on a solid foundation laid by opener Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored with a well-made 52 off 40 balls. He found good support from Sadeera Samarawickrama, who chipped in with 24 runs.
However, the Pakistani bowlers managed to pull things back in the death overs, restricting the flow of boundaries. For Pakistan, the bowling attack shared the spoils. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Nawaz each claimed one wicket, applying consistent pressure. The fielding effort was also sharp, contributing to Sri Lanka falling short of a more imposing total.
Series Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory gives Pakistan significant early momentum in the series. The comprehensive nature of the win, achieved with relative ease, will boost the team's confidence. For Sri Lanka, the loss exposes areas needing reinforcement, particularly in finding breakthroughs with the ball during the middle overs of a chase.
The focus now shifts to the second match of the series. The teams will meet again at the same venue in Hambantota on Monday, August 14. Sri Lanka will be desperate to level the series, while Pakistan will aim to seal it with another strong performance. The result sets up an intriguing contest for the upcoming fixture.
