Sri Lanka suffered a four-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the opening T20 International of their three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, despite a superb 91 from Lahiru Udara.
Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s target of 183, reaching 187 for six in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan led from the front with a match-winning 89, earning the Player of the Match award.
## Udara shines with a brilliant 91
Sri Lanka, who elected to bat first, posted a competitive 182 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to Udara’s outstanding innings. The opener struck 91 off 55 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six, providing the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting effort.
However, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis for one and Kamil Mishara for six early in the innings, putting pressure on the middle order. Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 off 18 balls, while captain Dasun Shanaka added 18 off 15 deliveries to help maintain the scoring rate.
Udara continued to anchor the innings, but Sri Lanka were unable to convert their promising start into an even bigger total. Naseem Shah was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with three wickets for 36 runs, while Mohammad Imran claimed two for 21.
## Farhan and Sadaqat turn the match around
Pakistan made an aggressive start to the chase, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 21 off 13 balls before departing. Farhan then combined with Maaz Sadaqat to take control of the contest.
Farhan struck 89 off 53 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and four sixes, while Sadaqat produced an impressive 50 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Their 92-run partnership for the second wicket put Pakistan firmly in command.
Although Sri Lanka fought back with wickets in the latter stages, Pakistan maintained their momentum. Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana claimed two wickets apiece, but the hosts completed the chase with seven balls remaining.
Khawaja Mohammad Nafay helped guide Pakistan home, finishing unbeaten on 12 off seven deliveries.
The victory gives Pakistan an early advantage in the series, while Sri Lanka will look to improve their bowling execution and build on Udara’s outstanding performance in the second T20I, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at the same venue.
## Scores in brief
– **Sri Lanka:** 182/8 (20 overs) – Lahiru Udara 91, Kamindu Mendis 23; Naseem Shah 3/36, Mohammad Imran 2/21.
– **Pakistan:** 187/6 (18.5 overs) – Sahibzada Farhan 89, Maaz Sadaqat 50; Eshan Malinga 2 wickets, Maheesh Theekshana 2 wickets.
– **Result:** Pakistan won by four wickets.
– **Series:** Pakistan lead 1–0.
– **Player of the Match:** Sahibzada Farhan.
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