January 7, 2026
In the first T20I of the three-match series at Dambulla, Pakistan completed a comfortable chase, reaching 129 for 4 to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets.
Top-order star Sahibzada Farhan struck a smooth 51 off 36 balls with four fours and two sixes. The 59-run opening partnership with Saim Ayub gave Pakistan control, and the required rate was never under pressure. Ayub added 24 off 18, and captain Salman Agha, a fast 16 off 11.
Even after a few wickets were lost in the middle overs, the chase remained under control. Shadab Khan finished unbeaten on 18, and Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 7. Sri Lanka picked up wickets occasionally, but never created real pressure as Pakistan controlled the tempo throughout.
Wanindu Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s most economical bowler, finishing with 1 for 17 from four overs. Theekshana finished with 1 for 31, Chameera took 1 for 34, and Dhananjaya de Silva claimed 1 for 4, but Sri Lanka could not slow Pakistan down when it mattered.
Pakistan finished the chase with 20 balls to spare, sealing a 1–0 lead in the series and gaining early momentum.
Shadab Khan has been awarded the player of the match for his outstanding performance in this match.