Pakistan secure 6-wicket win over Sri Lanka in first T20I
January 7, 2026 10:24 pm
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20I in Dambulla to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The hosts were on the back foot from the moment they set foot on the field. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss worked in his team’s favour as Sri Lanka for 128 runs in 19.2 overs. Chasing 129 runs, openers Saim Ayub (24) and Sahibzada Farhan (51) led the charge.
However, the Lankan bowlers hit back and managed to take four wickets. Salman (16) recorded another failure. Fakhar Zaman was unable to get going and managed just 5 runs.
The target was not big, which allowed Pakistan to cross the finishing line in 16.4 overs. Shadab (18) and Usman Khan (7) were unbeaten in the end.
Earlier, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each for the visiting side.
Mohammad Wasim and Shadab Khan dismissed two batters each in the first outing. Janith Liyanage was the top scorer for the home team, amassing 40 runs off 31 balls, with the help of 2 fours and 1 six.
--Agencies
