Sahibzada Farhan bats during the first T20I against Sri Lanka. (Video grab)
Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his elevation to Pakistan ’s T20I captaincy in spectacular fashion, smashing a blistering 89 to steer his side to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-game series in Rawalpindi on Friday. Pakistan’s opening pair of Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided an aggressive start, putting on 54 runs off just 31 balls. Fakhar contributed 21 before departing, but the early momentum continued as Sadaqat joined his captain at the crease. Imran also impressed on debut, claiming 2/21, while Naseem finished with 3/36.
Sri Lanka briefly fought back as Chameera claimed his 100th T20 wicket by having Hasan Nawaz caught behind down the leg side. Theekshana then bowled Saim Ayub for eight with a delivery that stayed low. Naseem Shah , recalled to the T20I squad after Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris were left out, made an immediate impact by dismissing Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis for one in the opening over.
He added 60 runs with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23, and followed it with a 57-run stand alongside Dasun Shanaka, who made 18. Udara reached his half-century off 32 balls and struck 11 fours and a six before falling in Naseem’s final over. Sri Lanka scored 66 runs in the final six overs to give their bowlers a challenging target, but Farhan’s captaincy debut proved memorable as Pakistan completed the chase with seven balls to spare.
Sri Lanka struggled early before Udara steadied the innings.