By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the T20I Tri-Series on Saturday thanks to fluent unbeaten 80 from opener Sahibzada Farhan and a tight bowling display led by spinner Mohammad Nawaz.
Chasing a modest target of 129, Pakistan cruised to 131 for three in 15.3 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to move top of the table. Farhan dominated the innings from the start, striking six fours and five sixes in a 45-ball knock that ensured Pakistan stayed well ahead of the required rate throughout.
This was the sixth fifty from Farhan which came off just 33 balls and he also surpassed his previous T20I highest total of 74.
Sri Lanka, who elected to bat, made 128 for seven in an innings that never found rhythm. Kamil Mishara gave the visitors a quick start with 22 off 12 balls but Pakistan responded with regular breakthroughs that prevented any sustained partnership. Pathum Nissanka made 17, while Kusal Perera attempted to lift the tempo with 25 off 19 before being bowled by Nawaz in the 12th over.
Nawaz, who finished with 3-16 from four overs, also dismissed Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for a first-ball duck and removed Kamindu Mendis to derail the middle order. Janith Liyanage held the innings together with an unbeaten 41 from 38 balls, but the lack of boundaries in the final overs left Sri Lanka with an under-par total.
Pakistan’s reply was measured and assured. Saim Ayub scored 20 before being stumped off Shanaka and Babar Azam contributed 16 from 22 balls before being bowled by Dushmantha Chameera. Chameera’s double strike in the 14th over briefly halted Pakistan’s charge when he trapped Salman Agha lbw first ball but by then the hosts required only 13 runs for victory.
Wicket-keeper Usman Khan added a steady five not out as Farhan completed the chase without further risk, sealing Pakistan’s second win of the tournament and leaving Sri Lanka winless after another inconsistent batting display.
Earlier Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the game due to a minor foot fascial injury.
Summarised scores:
Sri Lanka 128-7 in 20 overs (Janith Liyanage 41 not out, Kusal Perera 25; Mohammad Nawaz 3-16).
Pakistan 131-3 in 15.3 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 80 not out; Dushmantha Chameera 2-29).
Pakistan won by seven wickets with 27 balls remaining.
