Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in Rawalpindi as captain Sahibzada Farhan smashed 89 runs, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.
Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Pakistan opened their three-match T20 international series against Sri Lanka with a four-wicket victory at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Newly appointed captain Sahibzada Farhan led from the front, scoring a commanding 89 off 53 deliveries as Pakistan successfully chased Sri Lanka’s target of 183 with seven balls remaining.
Farhan leads Pakistan’s successful chase
Farhan struck 10 boundaries and four sixes, producing a match-winning performance in his first bilateral T20 international as Pakistan captain.
Opening alongside Fakhar Zaman, Farhan helped establish a 54-run partnership before Fakhar departed for 21.
Maaz Sadaqat then joined Farhan, contributing an aggressive 50 from 29 balls. Their 92-run partnership put Pakistan firmly in control.
Despite losing wickets towards the end, Pakistan reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs. Farhan was named Player of the Match.
Sri Lanka post competitive total
Earlier, Sri Lanka elected to bat and posted 182 for eight in 20 overs.
Lahiru Udara anchored the innings with an impressive 91 off 55 balls, including 11 fours and one six.
Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah claimed three wickets for 36 runs, while debutant Mohammad Imran impressed with two wickets for 21 runs.
However, Sri Lanka’s total ultimately proved insufficient against Pakistan’s aggressive batting.
Pakistan take early series advantage
The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series.
The second T20 international is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, followed by the final match on Tuesday, October 13. Both matches will take place in Rawalpindi.
The remaining fixtures will test whether Sri Lanka can recover and challenge Pakistan’s early momentum.
Impact to expect
Pakistan gain early confidence under Farhan’s leadership, while Sri Lanka face pressure to win the second match and keep the series alive.
