Maaz maintained the momentum with a six off Dunith Wellalage before Farhan completed his half-century from 33 balls.

Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan pulls during the first Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 9, 2026.–AFP

Sahibzada Farhan made a spectacular start to his tenure as Pakistan’s full-time T20I captain, scoring 89 runs to guide the hosts to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan reached 187-6 in 18.5 overs, winning with seven balls to spare. Farhan’s commanding innings and Maaz Sadaqat’s maiden T20I half-century proved decisive in the successful chase.

Farhan struck 10 fours and four sixes in his 53-ball knock, while Maaz scored a rapid 50 off 29 deliveries. Their 92-run partnership for the second wicket put Pakistan firmly in control after an explosive start from the hosts.

Farhan and Maaz Lead Pakistan’s Run Chase

Pakistan began aggressively, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman adding 54 runs for the opening wicket. Fakhar scored 21 off 13 balls, hitting four boundaries, before Eshan Malinga dismissed him in the final over of the powerplay.

By then, Pakistan had raced to 70-1, setting the tone for the chase.

Maaz joined Farhan and continued the attack, punishing loose deliveries and putting pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Farhan also targeted Maheesh Theekshana, hitting him for a six as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark in the 10th over.

Maaz maintained the momentum with a six off Dunith Wellalage before Farhan completed his half-century from 33 balls.

The young batter then reached his maiden T20I fifty off just 21 deliveries in the 13th over, hitting four fours and three sixes.

Their partnership took Pakistan to 146-2 before Theekshana dismissed Maaz leg-before wicket for 50.

Sri Lanka Fight Back but Farhan Seals the Win

Sri Lanka briefly regained control when Hasan Nawaz was caught behind off Dushmantha Chameera for one and Theekshana bowled Saim Ayub for eight.

Pakistan slipped to 156-4, but Farhan remained at the crease and continued to anchor the chase.

The captain accelerated in the 18th over against Nuwan Thushara, striking a boundary through square leg before launching a full toss for six over extra cover.

Farhan departed for 89 when Sahan Arachchige caught him in the deep off the next delivery, leaving Pakistan just four runs short of victory.

Shadab Khan fell for a duck after being caught off Malinga, but Khawaja Nafay ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line without further trouble. Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 off seven balls, including a six, while Mohammad Imran finished not out on zero.

Lahiru Udara’s 91 Lifts Sri Lanka to 182-8

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Lahiru Udara leading the innings through an impressive 91 off 55 balls.

Udara struck 11 fours and one six, helping Sri Lanka recover after Pakistan’s bowlers reduced them to 83-4.

Naseem Shah struck in the opening over, dismissing captain Kusal Mendis for one, while debutant Mohammad Imran removed Kamil Mishara for six.

Udara then joined Kamindu Mendis to rebuild the innings. The pair added 60 runs for the third wicket before Kamindu departed for 23 off 18 balls, caught by Fakhar Zaman off Saim Ayub.

Sahan Arachchige fell for one two deliveries later, giving Imran his second wicket.

Udara reached his maiden T20I half-century off 32 balls and continued to score freely. Dasun Shanaka contributed 18 off 15 deliveries, including two sixes, before Fakhar caught him off Shadab Khan with Sri Lanka at 140-5.

Udara survived a missed opportunity on 77 when Abrar Ahmed failed to complete a catch, but his innings ended on the final delivery of the 19th over. Naseem dismissed him for 91, with Hasan Nawaz taking the catch at long-on.

Naseem and Imran Lead Pakistan’s Bowling

Naseem finished with figures of 3-36 in four overs, while Imran claimed 2-21 on his T20I debut.

Razaullah took his maiden T20I wicket in the final over by dismissing Theekshana for one. Chameera then struck a boundary off a free hit to help Sri Lanka finish on 182-8.

Despite Udara’s outstanding contribution, Sri Lanka could not contain Pakistan’s aggressive batting during the middle overs.

Farhan’s impressive captaincy debut and Maaz’s explosive half-century gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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