Pakistan drew first blood against Sri Lanka, securing a four-wicket victory in the opening T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Having won the toss, Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis elected to bat first and his side posted a formidable total of 182/8 in the allotted 20 overs, powered by a brilliant knock from opening batter Lahiru Udara.
Udara top-scored for Sri Lanka with an impressive 91 off 55 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six, registering his maiden T20I half-century. However, Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah led the hosts’ bowling effort, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs.
- Kusal Mendis appointed Sri Lanka’s new Test captain
- Dhananjaya de Silva steps down as Sri Lanka Test Captain
- Pakistan squads announced for Sri Lanka T20Is and ODI Tri-Series
- Sineth, Sahan earn maiden T20I callups; Viyaskanth & Chamindu return as Sri Lanka announce squad for Pakistan T20Is
In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in the 19th over, reaching 187/6 to seal a convincing victory with four wickets in hand.
Pakistan skipper Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a magnificent 89 off 53 balls, while No. 3 batter Maaz Sadaqat provided excellent support with a blistering 50 off 29 deliveries to put the hosts firmly in control of the chase.
For Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana picked up two wickets apiece, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from securing the opening victory.
https://stats.thepapare.com/cricket/match/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-1st-t20
