Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20I

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20 of the series in Dambulla. On Wednesday at the Rangiri International Stadium, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first—a decision that proved highly effective.

Sri Lanka struggled from the very beginning of their innings. The hosts lost four wickets within the first 38 runs, putting them under early pressure. Kusal Mendis (14), Pathum Nissanka (12), Dhananjaya de Silva (10), and Kamil Mishara, who was dismissed for a duck, failed to make significant contributions. Janith Liyanage then tried to steady the innings and offered some resistance, scoring 40 runs, but he could not build any substantial partnership. Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga added 18 runs each.

A flurry of wickets at the end saw Sri Lanka bowled out for 128 runs with four balls remaining. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated, with Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed picking up three wickets each. Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Shadab Khan supported well, claiming two wickets apiece.

Chasing a target of 129, Pakistan got off to an aggressive start and brought up their team fifty during the powerplay. Saim Ayub scored 24 off 18 balls before getting out, but Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with a solid 51-run knock. Captain Salman Agha contributed 16 runs off 11 balls.

Although Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman cheaply, creating a brief moment of pressure, wicketkeeper Usman Khan and Shadab Khan formed a crucial partnership to guide the team comfortably to victory. Pakistan reached the target in 16.4 overs, losing four wickets.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dhananjaya de Silva took one wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20 series. The second match will be played on January 9 and the third on January 11, with all matches scheduled to be held in Dambulla. The series is considered an important preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup