Pakistan wrapped up the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a match to spare, crushing them by 82 runs in Rawalpindi behind a blistering innings from Maaz Sadaqat and a three-wicket burst from Imran Randhawa. Here’s how it unfolded.
The Result
Pakistan posted 215-3 in their 20 overs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, and bowled Sri Lanka out for just 133-7 in reply, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one game left to play on Tuesday. Pakistan had already won the series opener by four wickets, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring 89 — this win gave Farhan his first series victory since taking over as captain.
Maaz Sadaqat’s Near-Century
Maaz Sadaqat was named player of the match for an electric 96 off just 51 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes. He reached his half-century in 29 balls, then launched 22 runs off a single Maheesh Theekshana over in the closing stages. He was dropped on 44, which proved costly for Sri Lanka, before finally falling attempting a slice off Eshan Malinga, caught at deep cover — narrowly missing out on what would have been his maiden T20I century. His 88-run second-wicket partnership with Farhan was the backbone of the innings.
Supporting Cast With the Bat
- Sahibzada Farhan — 73 off 44 balls, with four fours and five sixes, before being caught at deep third.
- Fakhar Zaman — 22 off 17 balls.
- Hasan Nawaz — unbeaten on 19 off nine balls.
Pakistan were kept to just 46 runs in the powerplay, but the middle-overs partnership between Farhan and Sadaqat turned the innings around completely.
Imran Randhawa Rips Through the Middle Order
Imran Randhawa was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-11 off his four overs. He conceded just five runs across his first two overs, then struck three times in his third over alone — removing Sineth Jayawardena (22), Kusal Mendis (9), and Sahan Arachchige (a duck) to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 49-4.
Salman Mirza, playing his first match back from injury, chipped in with two wickets, including Lahiru Udara (5). Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub also picked up a wicket apiece, dismissing Kamindu Mendis (23) and Dasun Shanaka (9) respectively.
Sri Lanka’s Late Resistance
With the required rate well out of reach, Sri Lanka’s innings became academic in the closing overs, though Chamindu Wickramasinghe (29) and an unbeaten Maheesh Theekshana (32 off 26) put on a 50-run seventh-wicket stand that at least added some respectability to the final margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pakistan won the series?
Yes. With this win, Pakistan went 2-0 up in the three-match series, making the result unassailable regardless of the final game’s outcome.
Who was named player of the match?
Maaz Sadaqat, for his 96 off 51 balls.
When is the third T20I?
Tuesday, at the same venue — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Is this Sahibzada Farhan’s first series win as captain?
Yes, this marked his first series victory since taking over as Pakistan’s T20I captain.
With the series already wrapped up, Tuesday’s final T20I in Rawalpindi becomes a chance for Pakistan to finish with a clean sweep.
