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| Shadab Khan won player of the match award |
Pakistan began their T20I series against Sri Lanka with a confident six-wicket victory in Dambulla, showing clear superiority with both ball and bat. A disciplined bowling performance led by Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, and a returning Shadab Khan restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total, before Sahibzada Farhan’s half-century guided Pakistan home with plenty of overs to spare.
The win gave Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the series and highlighted their depth and balance, especially on a tricky two-paced pitch that tested both teams.
Pakistan Bowlers Set the Tone Early
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha chose to bowl, expecting the moisture in the surface to assist his bowlers. The decision paid off immediately.
Sri Lanka struggled from the start as Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim bowled tight lines with the new ball. With the pitch offering uneven bounce and some deliveries holding up, scoring freely was difficult. The Sri Lankan openers tried to counterattack but failed to build momentum, losing wickets in the process.
By the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka were already under pressure at 35 for 2, and the situation worsened soon after.
Shadab Khan Makes a Strong Comeback
Playing his first match for Pakistan since June 2025, Shadab Khan wasted no time in making an impact. In his very first over, he struck twice.
He trapped Kusal Mendis lbw with a sharp delivery, and just two balls later, deceived Dhananjaya de Silva with a well-disguised googly to have him caught behind. De Silva, playing his first T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup, could only manage 10 runs.
Shadab’s control and variation were impressive throughout his spell. Although he was unlucky not to pick up another wicket after a dropped catch at long-on, he finished with 2 for 25, marking a successful return to international cricket.
Abrar and Mirza Finish the Job
The pressure created by Shadab was maintained by Abrar Ahmed, who struck in his very first over by dismissing Charith Asalanka. Sri Lanka were reduced to 72 for 5, and the innings looked close to collapse.
There was a brief recovery as Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga added some quick runs, targeting Mohammad Nawaz in the middle overs. At 106 for 5, Sri Lanka briefly looked capable of pushing their total towards 150.
However, Abrar returned at the right time and ended those hopes. He removed both Hasaranga and Liyanage in successive overs, triggering another collapse. From there, the end came quickly as Sri Lanka lost their last four wickets for just one run.
Abrar and Mirza ended with three wickets each, while Pakistan’s bowlers once again showed the value of discipline and patience.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 128, a total that never looked enough.
Farhan and Ayub Give Pakistan a Flying Start
Pakistan’s chase began in aggressive fashion. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub attacked from the outset, racing to 59 runs in just 5.5 overs.
Ayub looked confident before being bowled for 24, but Farhan continued to dominate. He timed the ball well, punished loose deliveries, and brought up his half-century off just 35 balls.
By the time Farhan was dismissed, Pakistan were firmly in control, needing very little from the remaining overs.
Minor Hiccup, Comfortable Finish
There was a brief wobble when Pakistan lost three wickets for 12 runs around the 100-run mark, but the result was never in doubt. With no scoreboard pressure, the batters played sensibly.
Shadab Khan then finished the match in style, scoring 18 not out off 12 balls to take Pakistan home with 20 balls remaining. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan reached 129 for 4, sealing a smooth and professional victory.
What This Win Means for Pakistan
This win will please Pakistan’s management, especially due to:
Shadab Khan’s strong return
Effective use of spin on a difficult pitch
A confident opening partnership
Controlled bowling under pressure
For Sri Lanka, the match exposed issues with their batting approach and inability to adapt to conditions.
Pakistan will now look to build on this momentum as the series continues.
Match Summary
Match: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st T20I
Venue: Dambulla
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan
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