Pakistan kicked off their T20 World Cup preparations in model, cruising to a snug six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka within the first T20I on the Rangiri Dambulla Worldwide Stadium on Wednesday.
Electing to bowl first underneath cloudy skies, the guests produced a disciplined bowling effort to bundle the hosts out for a modest 128. In response, a blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan ensured Pakistan chased down the goal with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead within the three-match sequence.
Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed sizzle with bowling brilliance
The Sri Lankan innings by no means really gathered momentum after being requested to bat. Pakistan’s new-ball pair of Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr. struck early blows, eradicating openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka contained in the powerplay to depart the hosts reeling at 16/2.
Whereas Janith Liyanage supplied some resistance with a preventing 40 off 31 balls, he lacked assist from the opposite finish. The center order crumbled in opposition to the spin variations of Abrar Ahmed (3/25) and the returning Shadab Khan (2/25). A late-order collapse noticed Sri Lanka lose their final 5 wickets for simply 22 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs.
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Sahibzada Farhan blazes away in chase
The match marked a profitable return for all-rounder Shadab, who was named Participant of the Match. Enjoying his first worldwide recreation since his shoulder surgical procedure, Shadab appeared sharp with the ball, choosing up essential wickets within the center overs. He later contributed a relaxed unbeaten 18 to information the crew house, proving his health and type forward of the marquee event subsequent month.
Defending a small complete, Sri Lanka wanted early wickets, however Pakistan’s openers had different concepts. Farhan launched a counter-attack, smashing a fluent 51 off simply 36 deliveries (4 fours, 2 sixes). His aggressive intent within the powerplay successfully killed the competition early, regardless of Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/17) choosing up comfort wickets.
Though Pakistan misplaced just a few fast wickets within the center, the required run charge was by no means a problem. Shadab and Usman Khan (7*) completed the job clinically within the seventeenth over.
Pakistan received the first T20I by 6 wickets ⚡#SLvsPAK #ShadabKhan pic.twitter.com/R9dovhCT31
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026
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