The first match of the three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka saw Pakistan easily defeat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka batted first and set a target of 129 runs for Pakistan to chase. In response, Pakistan achieved the target in the 17th over, losing 4 wickets in the process.
At Dambulla International Stadium, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. After winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha invited the host team to bat first.
Sri Lanka was bowled out for 128 runs in the final over, with Janith Liyanage standing out with 40 runs. Pakistan then chased the target of 129 runs successfully.
Pakistan also announced its final playing eleven for the match, which saw the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan to the T20 team after a long absence. Shadab’s inclusion is expected to bring greater balance to both the team’s batting and bowling departments.
Pakistan’s playing eleven includes Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, captain Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman, and Usman Khan, with all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf also in the team. The bowling responsibilities have been assigned to Mohammad Wasim Jr., Salman Mirza, and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
