DAMBULLA: Pakistan took an early lead in the three-match T20 series by comfortably defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the opening game.
Captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bowl first, inviting the hosts Sri Lanka to bat. Pakistan’s final XI featured all-rounder Shadab Khan, who made a comeback. The team also included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Fahan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman, and Osman Khan. Additionally, Muhammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Muhammad Waseem Jnr, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed were part of the playing XI.
Sri Lanka’s Innings:
Thanks to Pakistan’s excellent bowling performance, Sri Lanka was dismissed in 19.2 overs for 128 runs. Jenth Leang, Hasaranga, and Asalanka scored 40, 18, and 18 runs respectively for Sri Lanka.
Pakistani bowlers Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed took 3 wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Muhammad Waseem Jnr claimed 2 wickets apiece.
Pakistan’s Innings:
Pakistan easily crossed the target of 129 runs, losing 4 wickets, thanks to a brilliant batting display by Sahibzada Fahan.
Fahan was the top scorer with 51 runs off 36 balls. Saim Ayub contributed 24 runs.
Other notable contributions came from Salman Agha, who scored 16, and Fakhar Zaman, who made 5 before getting out. Shadab Khan remained unbeaten on 18, and Osman Khan scored 7 not out.
