ISLAMABAD (TNS) Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20 match, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. In the match played on Friday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, scoring 182 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Pakistan chased down the target of 183 runs in the 19th over, losing 6 wickets in the process. For Sri Lanka, Lahiru Udara displayed excellent batting, scoring 91 runs off 55 balls—including 11 fours and a six—though he fell short of a century; his innings was instrumental in setting a challenging target. Additionally, Kamindu Mendis scored 23 runs off 18 balls and Dasun Shanaka scored 18 runs off 15 balls, while the other seven batsmen failed to reach double figures.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah bowled impressively, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs, while debutant Mohammad Imran Randhawa took 2 wickets for 21 runs. Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, and Razaullah each claimed one wicket.
Sri Lanka concluded their innings at 182 for 8 in the allotted 20 overs, a total that included 29 extras. Pakistani bowlers also bowled 18 wides and one no-ball.
