Farhan and Sadaqat Power Pakistan to Victory Over Sri Lanka in First T20I

Captain Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat delivered explosive half-centuries as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening T20I in Rawalpindi on Friday. Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Farhan was named Player of the Match after scoring a brilliant 89 off 53 balls.

Udara Leads Sri Lanka to 182

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Sri Lanka lost captain Kusal Mendis in the opening over. Kamindu Mishara also departed early, leaving the visitors under pressure against Pakistan's pace attack.

Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership for the third wicket. Kamindu scored 23 before falling, but Udara continued to attack and kept Sri Lanka moving forward.

Udara later added 57 runs for the fifth wicket with Dasun Shanaka. The opener reached his half-century in 32 balls and eventually made 91 from 55 deliveries, including 11 fours and one six. Shanaka contributed 18.

Sri Lanka finished on 182 for eight in 20 overs. Pakistan's Naseem Shah took three wickets for 36 runs, while debutant pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Imran claimed two wickets for 21.

Farhan and Sadaqat Take Control

Pakistan made a flying start to the chase as Fakhar Zaman and Farhan added 54 runs in 31 balls for the opening wicket. Fakhar scored 21 off 13 deliveries before departing.

Sadaqat joined Farhan and immediately increased the scoring rate. Farhan reached his half-century in 33 balls, while Sadaqat needed just 28 deliveries to reach the milestone.

The pair added 92 runs from only 52 balls for the second wicket, putting Pakistan firmly in control. Sadaqat struck four fours and three sixes in his 29-ball 50 before being dismissed.

Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub fell in quick succession, but Pakistan remained on course for victory.

Farhan's 89 Seals Player-of-the-Match Honours

Farhan continued to lead the chase with an aggressive innings of 89 from 53 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. His innings ended when Sahan Arachchige took an outstanding catch at deep midwicket off Nuwan Thushara.

Pakistan needed only four runs at that stage. Although Shadab Khan was dismissed soon afterwards, Khawaja Nafay finished the match with a six.

Pakistan reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs to secure a four-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The result marked an encouraging start for Farhan, who has taken over the captaincy on a full-time basis. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday.