Pakistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, delivering a commanding 82-run victory in the second encounter at Rawalpindi on Sunday. The hosts produced a clinical display, setting a new benchmark for their highest-ever T20 total on home soil before their bowling attack dismantled the Sri Lankan response.
The foundation for the win was laid by a blistering batting performance, spearheaded by
Sadaqat and Farhan Punish Sloppy Fielding
Sri Lanka’s hopes were hampered early by inconsistent fielding, with three crucial catches put down during the Pakistan innings. Sadaqat, who was handed a lifeline on 44, and Farhan, who survived reprieves on two and 11, took full advantage of the opportunities. The duo combined for a rapid 88-run partnership for the second wicket, coming off just 49 balls.
Farhan eventually departed in the 15th over after a vibrant 73 off 44 deliveries, featuring five sixes and four fours. Sadaqat continued the onslaught, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 19-run stand alongside Hasan Nawaz. By the time Sadaqat was dismissed on the final ball of the innings, he had amassed 96 runs from 51 balls, including six fours and seven sixes—a tally that equaled the record for the most sixes by a Pakistani batter in a single T20 match. A late surge saw the hosts accumulate 70 runs in the final five overs to reach their record total.
Imran Spearheads Bowling Dominance
Facing a daunting target, the Sri Lankan batting lineup struggled to establish any meaningful momentum. Regular wickets prevented the visitors from building the partnerships required to challenge the high scoring rate. Medium pacer Mohammad Imran proved particularly difficult to handle, returning impressive figures of 3/11 to stifle the chase.
While Maheesh Theekshana provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 32, and contributions came from Chamindu Wickramasinghe (29), Kamindu Mendis (23), and Sineth Jayawardena (22), the visitors were ultimately restricted to 133/7. The 82-run margin stands as Pakistan’s largest T20I victory over Sri Lanka to date.
Reflecting on the result, Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan expressed satisfaction with the team’s trajectory, noting the squad's intent to maintain high scoring standards. Conversely, Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis identified poor fielding as the primary catalyst for the defeat, acknowledging that the team had failed to meet their usual standards in the field. The two sides are set to return to the field on Tuesday for the final match of the series, where Pakistan will aim for a clean sweep.
