Pakistan Clinch Series with 82-Run Win Over Sri Lanka

Pakistan secured an emphatic 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I, powered by a superb 96 from Maaz Sadaqat and a blistering 73 by captain Sahibzada Farhan. The win gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, confirming their series triumph.

Batting first on Sunday, Pakistan capitalized on Sri Lanka’s poor fielding to post 215 for three in their allotted 20 overs. It was Pakistan’s second-highest total in T20I cricket. Their highest score in the format remains 232 for six, recorded against England in 2021.

In reply, Sri Lanka struggled against the swing of fast bowler Mohammad Imran and managed only 133 for seven in 20 overs. The defeat marked Sri Lanka’s third consecutive T20I series loss.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Pakistan’s two openers accelerated the scoring while taking advantage of missed catches. Pakistan captain Farhan was given a lifeline when Sri Lankan fielder Sinath Jayawardene dropped a straightforward catch with the batter on 11. Farhan made full use of the reprieve, smashing five sixes and four fours in a blistering 73. He laid a solid foundation for Pakistan before being dismissed by Dasun Shanaka in the 15th over.

At the other end, young left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat, who had recently struck back-to-back centuries in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), also benefited from a dropped catch. Nuwan Thushara gave him a reprieve when he was on 44. Sadaqat went on to score 96 off 51 balls, striking seven sixes and six fours. However, his hopes of reaching a century were dashed when he was dismissed by Eshan Malinga off the final ball of the innings.

Chasing a daunting target of 216, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Lahiru Udara was dismissed by Salman Mirza in the very first over. Pakistan’s pace attack continued to trouble the visitors, with Mohammad Imran, playing only his second T20I, delivering a decisive spell.

Bowling four consecutive overs, Imran claimed three crucial wickets for just 11 runs. He dismissed Jayawardene for 22, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis for nine, and Sahan Arachchige for a duck. With Sri Lanka reduced to 49 for four, the visitors were left struggling to stay in the contest. An unbeaten 32 from Maheesh Theekshana and 29 from Chamindu Wickramasinghe late in the innings only helped reduce the margin of defeat.

Pakistan had won the opening match by four wickets in Rawalpindi. The third and final match of the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday. Following the T20I series, England will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka for a tri-nation ODI series.