Pakistan thrash Sri Lanka by 82 runs to clinch T20I series

RAWALPINDI, Oct 11 (APP):Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second Twenty20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After posting an imposing 215 for three in their allotted 20 overs, Pakistan bowled out Sri Lanka’s batting challenge at 133 for seven, securing a comprehensive victory and clinching the series with one match remaining.

Maaz Sadaqat starred with the bat, narrowly missing a maiden T20I century with a blistering 96 off 51 balls, while captain Sahibzada Farhan contributed 73 off 44 deliveries to lay the foundation for Pakistan’s commanding total.

Sadaqat struck six fours and seven sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 188.23, as Pakistan maintained an aggressive scoring rate of 10.75 runs per over.

Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a brisk start, putting on 55 runs for the opening wicket. Fakhar scored 22 off 17 balls before falling to Maheesh Theekshana.

Sadaqat then joined Farhan to strengthen Pakistan’s position with an 88-run partnership for the second wicket. Farhan struck four fours and five sixes before being dismissed for 73 by Dasun Shanaka in the 15th over.

Sadaqat continued his assault and took Pakistan past the 200-run mark before Eshan Malinga dismissed him on the final delivery of the innings. Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 19 off nine balls to provide a late flourish.

For Sri Lanka, Theekshana, Shanaka and Malinga claimed one wicket apiece, but the visitors struggled to contain Pakistan’s powerful batting display.

Chasing 216, Sri Lanka lost Lahiru Udara for five in the opening over and never recovered from the early setback. Sineth Jayawardena made 22, while captain Kusal Mendis managed nine as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the required run rate beyond reach.

Mohammad Imran led Pakistan’s bowling attack with an impressive three wickets for just 11 runs in four overs. Salman Mirza claimed two wickets for 28 runs, while Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan picked up one wicket each.

Kamindu Mendis scored 23, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe contributed 29 off 24 balls. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32 off 26 deliveries, including four boundaries, but Sri Lanka finished well short of the target at 133 for seven.

Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and early breakthroughs ensured that Sri Lanka could not build a sustained partnership during the chase.

The victory gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the three-match series after their four-wicket win in the opening T20I on Friday. The two sides will now meet in the third and final match of the series on Tuesday.