Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Highlights, 1st T20I | Jan 07: Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets Win To Take lead the series 1-0

SL vs PAK 1st T20I Match Highlights saw Pakistan chase down a modest target of 129 at Dambulla with relative ease, securing a six-wicket win with 20 balls to spare. The victory puts Pakistan ahead 1-0 in the three-match T20I series, while Sri Lanka was unable to capitalize on their batting opportunities on a night under lights at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The match began with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to field, leaving Sri Lanka to set a target on a pitch that offered some initial movement. Sri Lanka’s innings never fully recovered from early pressure, losing Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka cheaply for 0 and 12, respectively. Janith Liyanage’s counter-attacking 40 off 31 deliveries provided some stability, supported by Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, but the Sri Lankan total was ultimately limited to 128 for 10 in 19.2 overs.

Pakistan’s bowlers were disciplined throughout, with Salman Mirza taking three key wickets, while Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. The powerplay saw tight lines from Mirza and Wasim, restricting Sri Lanka to 59 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first six overs. Abrar Ahmed’s triple strike between overs 11 and 15 shifted momentum decisively, preventing Sri Lanka from accelerating effectively in the final overs.

The chase began with an aggressive start from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 51 off 36 balls. Saim Ayub provided a brisk supporting knock before being dismissed in the fifth over, but Farhan continued to anchor the innings. Salman Agha and Shadab Khan contributed with controlled innings, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable. Despite brief resistance from Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan reached 129 for 4 in 16.4 overs, maintaining composure and exploiting the powerplay advantage efficiently.

Toss Winner

The toss went in Pakistan’s favor, and they elected to field.

Key Moment

Abrar Ahmed’s three-wicket burst during the middle overs (overs 11–15) decisively curtailed Sri Lanka’s ability to post a competitive total, leaving them at 127 for 8 and effectively handing control to Pakistan.

Star Performer / MVP

Shadab Khan was the Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, scoring 18* off 12 balls and taking 2 crucial wickets for 25 runs, anchoring both Pakistan’s bowling and the chase.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Match Summary

SL vs PAK Playing XI

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed