In a clinical display of power and precision, Pakistan kicked off their 2026 cricket calendar with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This win gives SRILANKA 1-0 lead in the three-match series and serves as a vital psychological edge ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Pakistan’s pace-and-spin attack exploited the two-paced nature of the Dambulla track immediately. Left-arm quick Salman Mirza (3/18) dismantled the top order early, removing Kamil Mishara for a duck.
The middle overs belonged to the spinners. Shadab Khan, returning to the international fold after shoulder surgery, showed no signs of rust. He strikes twice in his opening over, eventually finishing with 2/25. Abrar Ahmed then applied the finishing blow to the middle order with a masterclass in leg-spin, claiming 3/25. Despite a resilient 40 off 31 balls from Janith Liyanage, Sri Lanka suffered a late-innings collapse—losing their final four wickets for just one run—to be bundled out for a modest 128.
Chasing a target of 129, Pakistan’s openers silenced the home crowd early. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub (24) raced to a 59-run partnership within the powerplay. Farhan was particularly aggressive, smashing 51 off 36 balls, including four boundaries and two towering sixes.
While a brief middle-order wobble saw the dismissals of Salman Ali Agha (16) and Fakhar Zaman (5), the result was never in doubt. Shadab Khan capped off his “Player of the Match” performance with an unbeaten 18*, guiding Pakistan home alongside Usman Khan (7*) with 20 balls to spare.
This leads PAKISTAN to win their 1st T20 match against SRILANKA and their 1st 2026 win.
Sahibzada Farhan played a pivotal role, scoring a fluent 51 off 36 balls, combining aggression with composure.
Shadab Khan finished the chase with an unbeaten 18 off 12 balls and was named Player of the Match for his all-around contribution.
