<p>Sahibzada Farhan wants Pakistan to stick to their attacking style after getting off to a winning start against Sri Lanka in the T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.</p>

<p>Talking about the match, the green shirts reached the target of 183 in the 19th over, with Farhan playing the leading role. The captain made 89 from 53 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes, while Maaz Sadaqat added a quick 50 off 29 deliveries, hitting four fours and three sixes.</p>

<p>After the match, Sahibzada Farhan spoke about his team&rsquo;s plans, saying everyone was confident in playing positive cricket, which is why they <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-defeat-sri-lanka-in-first-t20-match-at-rawalpindi/8432-5-0">won</a> the match convincingly.</p>

<p>&ldquo;As I said, as a captain, I am very confident in my boys. The way they delivered, the way Fakhar got us off to a start, and then later on, Maaz supported me, I think we will continue to play T20 cricket in the same way,&rdquo; said Sahibzada Farhan at the post-match presentation ceremony.</p>

<p>Reflecting on the bowling performance, Farhan seemed satisfied with the overall effort, but admitted that a few expensive overs in the middle phase allowed Sri Lanka to post a big total in the first innings.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I think we did a reasonably good job in the middle, and especially our powerplay went really well. But we gave away a few too many runs in the middle. You know how T20 cricket is; sometimes things go one way, sometimes the other. But still, I think 180 was a good score on this wicket,&rdquo; said Sahibzada Farhan.</p>

<p>When asked about the batting performance of Maaz Sadaqat, Farhan said that he is currently in exceptional form, which is helping the team post big totals.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I think, given the kind of form Maaz is in, he is one of the best players at the moment. I told him to make the most of his form because it does not last forever. But, mashallah, I am very happy for him in his first T20 as captain,&rdquo; said Sahibzada Farhan.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Farhan also credited the bowling effort of debutant Imran Randhawa, saying the team has full confidence in his skills, as he is a regular performer in domestic cricket.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I think the way he bowled was amazing, especially because we knew he was very good with the new ball. He has a lot of domestic cricket experience, so we were fully confident in him,&rdquo; said Sahibzada Farhan.</p>

Sahibzada Farhan backs Pakistan to continue their aggressive approach after beating Sri Lanka in the first T20I convincingly.

Sahibzada Farhan Backs Pakistan’s Attacking Mindset After Winning First T20I

<p>Sri Lanka have handed their Test captaincy to Kusal Mendis after Dhananjaya de Silva decided to give up the role on Thursday. Mendis, who is already the white-ball captain, will take charge for the first time when Sri Lanka face Pakistan in a two-match Test series in November.</p>

<p>De Silva had been in charge of the Test side since February 2024, leading the team in 18 matches before deciding to step aside recently. He said he wanted to pass on the leadership responsibility to the next generation of players, as they are the future of Sri Lankan cricket.</p>

<p>Talking about <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sri-lanka-announce-squad-for-t20-series-against-pakistan/8334-5-0">Kusal Mendis</a>, he brings plenty of experience to the role, although he has never captained Sri Lanka in Test cricket before. The board has opted for him over other candidates, as he is currently the captain of white-ball teams as well.</p>

<p>Mendis has captained Sri Lanka in 22 ODIs since first taking charge in October 2023, recording 10 wins and 10 defeats. His only stint as T20I captain came during the tour of the West Indies in June this year, where Sri Lanka lost the series 2-1.</p>

<p>In Test cricket, Mendis has scored 4,836 runs in 75 matches, making him Sri Lanka&rsquo;s 12th-highest run-scorer in the format.</p>

<p>Notably, Mendis will have some time to adjust to his new role before the next World Test Championship cycle, as Sri Lanka are unlikely to finish among the top two teams in the current standings.</p>

<p>It should be noted that Dhananjaya de Silva&#39;s decision to leave the captaincy followed a disappointing run of results. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka have performed quite poorly this year, losing 1-0 away to the West Indies and by the same margin against India at home.</p>

<p>With Kusal Mendis now in charge, Sri Lanka will hope to achieve better results when they take on Pakistan in the upcoming Test matches that will commence after the completion of the ODI tri-series.</p>

Kusal Mendis has been named Sri Lanka’s new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down, with his first challenge coming against Pakistan in November.

Kusal Mendis Handed Sri Lanka Test Captaincy After Dhananjaya Steps Down

<p>Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin their three-match T20I series on Friday, October 9, with the opening game set for Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match starts at 6:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time, giving both sides a chance to make an early statement in the series.</p>

<p>Pakistan go into the first game as the favorites, with a 67% win probability compared with Sri Lanka&#39;s 33% in the available match data. The hosts will look to make that advantage count when the two sides meet under lights in Rawalpindi.</p>

<h3>Pakistan Look to Start Series Strong</h3>

<p>Pakistan have named a squad featuring a mix of experienced international players and younger options. Sahibzada Farhan will lead the side, while Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah are among the notable names in the squad.</p>

<p>If Fakhar plays, he gives Pakistan a left-handed option at the top, while Saim Ayub adds another left-handed batting option and can also contribute with off-spin. Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed add variety and attacking options to Pakistan&rsquo;s bowling unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The squad also includes wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay, along with Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas and Sufiyan Muqeem. Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah add further bowling options, while Salman Mirza provides a left-arm pace option.</p>

<p>Pakistan&#39;s bowling group could be particularly important in the first T20I. Naseem Shah brings right-arm pace, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan give the team spin options in the middle overs.</p>

<h3>Sri Lanka Have Plenty of Experience</h3>

<p>Sri Lanka also arrive with a squad containing several experienced players. Kusal Mendis is listed as captain and wicketkeeper, while Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana are among the senior figures in the squad.</p>

<p>Mendis gives Sri Lanka an experienced presence with the bat and behind the stumps. Shanaka adds another experienced batting and bowling option, while Chameera leads the pace attack with his right-arm fast bowling.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka also have several spin options available. The squad includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, giving the visitors different choices depending on the conditions in Rawalpindi.</p>

<p>Kamindu Mendis and Sahan Arachchige add further all-round options, while Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando and Eshan Malinga strengthen the bowling group.</p>

<h3>Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Match Details</h3>

<p>The first T20I will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday, October 9. The scheduled start time is 6:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.</p>

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	<tbody>
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			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			<p>Match</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:197px">
			<p>Pakistan vs Sri Lanka</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			<p>Format</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:197px">
			<p>1st T20I Live on tapmad</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			<p>Date</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:197px">
			<p>Friday, October 9</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			<p>Time</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:197px">
			<p>6:00 PM PST</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			<p>Venue</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:197px">
			<p>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
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			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:70px">
			<p>Series</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:197px">
			<p>3-match T20I series</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Players to Watch</h2>

<p>Razaullah is one of the exciting player to watch in Pakistan&#39;s squad after his recent breakthrough. The young batter has earned his maiden white-ball call-up following an impressive run in red-ball cricket and will be looking to make an immediate impact in T20I cricket.</p>

<p>Hasan Nawaz is also one of Pakistan&#39;s key players to watch after his <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/former-cricketers-praise-hasan-nawaz-performance-against-india/8349-5-0">outstanding 96 against India</a> in the Asian Games final. The right-handed batter smashed five fours and seven sixes in a 51-ball knock that kept Pakistan in the chase until the final over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis remains a key figure with both the bat and gloves. Maheesh Theekshana could also have an important role with the ball, particularly through the middle overs.</p>

<h2>Rawalpindi Pitch and Weather</h2>

<p>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to provide a good contest between bat and ball. Pakistan&#39;s batters will look to make the most of the powerplay, while the spinners could become increasingly important through the middle overs.</p>

<p>With the match scheduled for the evening, both teams will also have to assess the conditions before deciding whether batting first or chasing is the better option.</p>

<h3>Pakistan Predicted Playing XI</h3>

<p>Sahibzada Farhan (C), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas, Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Abrar Ahmed, Razaullah, Sufiyan Muqeem</p>

<h3>Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI</h3>

<p>Kusal Mendis (C, WK), Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga</p>

<h2>Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Series Live on tapmad</h2>

<p>Watch <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-t20i-2026-27/1188601">Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live on tapmad</a> and follow every key moment from the action. You can also catch post-match highlights after each game to relive the biggest moments, wickets, and performances.</p>

Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I on October 9 in Rawalpindi. Check squads, match details, live updates and key players before the game.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Preview and Match Details

<p>The ultimate cricket action returns as the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-2026/1148/1">Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2026</a> officially kicks off. Fans across the region are gearing up to see the iconic subcontinental rivals lock horns in a fast-paced, three-match bilateral series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you are wondering where to watch the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan without any commercial breaks, interruptions, or standard cable delays, digital streaming is your best option.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This guide details exactly where to watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series online, ensuring you do not miss a single boundary, wicket, or dramatic last-over finish.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series Schedule&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Below is the complete fixture list for the short and explosive leg of the bilateral tour:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:548px">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p><strong>Match</strong></p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p><strong>Date</strong></p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p><strong>Venue</strong></p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p><strong>Time (PKT)</strong></p>
			</th>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p><a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-t20i-2026-27/1188601"><strong>1st T20I</strong></a></p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p>October 9, 2026</p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p>6:00 PM</p>
			</th>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p><a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-t20i-2026-27/1188611"><strong>2nd T20I</strong></a></p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p>October 11, 2026</p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
			</th>
			<th scope="col" style="vertical-align:top">
			<p>6:00 PM</p>
			</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:72px">
			<p><a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-t20i-2026-27/1188621"><strong>3rd T20I</strong></a></p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:138px">
			<p>October 13, 2026</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:206px">
			<p>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-top:1px solid #dcdfe5; vertical-align:top; width:132px">
			<p>6:00 PM</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Where to Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live</h2>

<p>The exclusive digital home for this premium cricket event is tapmad. The platform has secured the digital broadcasting rights to bring you the entire Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series in crisp, high-definition quality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Choosing a premium digital stream over linear television allows viewers to avoid frustrating ads between overs. The streaming platform guarantees seamless, ad-free coverage so your viewing experience remains unbroken from the opening coin toss to the final trophy presentation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live on tapmad&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Accessing the live stream is incredibly simple. Follow these straightforward steps to set up your account:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Visit the Platform:</strong> Go directly to the official <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports">tapmad Sports</a> web portal or download the dedicated application on your Android, iOS, or Android TV device.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Choose a Subscription:</strong> Click on the premium sports package banner. Select a standard monthly or yearly <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sign-up">subscription plan</a> that best suits your needs.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Complete Payment:</strong> Use any of the integrated local payment vendors, including mobile wallets or debit/credit cards, to securely process your subscription.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Start Streaming:</strong> Once unlocked, navigate to the live sports lobby, click on the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live stream link, and enjoy the action in full HD.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2>FAQs</h2>

<h3>Can I watch the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series in HD?</h3>

<p>Yes, the entire series will be broadcast in crisp High Definition (HD) quality on the tapmad App, ensuring smooth playback for all live sports content.</p>

<h3>Does the platform support multi-screen streaming or casting?</h3>

<p>Yes, your subscription includes technical capabilities like casting options and a split-screen layout, making it highly accessible across smartphones, laptops, and Android TVs.</p>

<h3>Is there an ad-free viewing option available for this cricket tour?</h3>

<p>The premium subscription provides entirely ad-free cricket streams, eliminating any promotional delays or commercial breaks between overs.</p>

<h2>Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live on tapmad&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Viewers can stream the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka T20I series live in full HD with a premium subscription on tapmad. The platform offers uninterrupted, ad-free coverage of the cricket series. For more details, visit tapmad.&nbsp;</p>

Find out where to watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series live as tapmad streams every HD match ad-free from Rawalpindi.

Where to Watch Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan Live

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Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026

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