Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 4 Wickets in 1st T20I, Lead Series 1-0

Pakistan opened the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a statement win at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9, chasing down 183 with seven balls to spare. Captain Sahibzada Farhan led from the front with a match-winning 89 off 53 balls, and the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Pakistan chase 183 with seven balls to spare

Set 183 to win, Pakistan reached 187 for 6 in 18.5 overs to seal a four-wicket victory. The chase was anchored by the captain: Farhan's 89 came off 53 deliveries with 10 fours and four sixes, the innings that broke Sri Lanka's back. He found a strong partner in Maaz Sadaqat, whose quickfire 50 off 29 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes, added a 92-run stand for the second wicket that put the hosts firmly in control.

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The finish was tighter than it looked. Pakistan slipped from a position of comfort, losing five wickets for 34 runs late in the chase, before wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay, 12 not out off seven balls, finished the job with a six.

Lahiru Udara's 91 not enough for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and chose to bat, posted 182 for 8 in their 20 overs on the back of opener Lahiru Udara's brilliant 91 off 55 balls, an innings of 11 fours and a six. Naseem Shah was the pick of Pakistan's attack with 3 for 36, while debutant Mohammad Imran made an immediate impact with 2 for 21 in four overs. Despite Udara's effort, Sri Lanka's total proved a few runs short.

Sahibzada named player of the match

Farhan's 89 earned him the player of the match award on his first home outing as captain. The victory puts Pakistan 1-0 up with two matches to play.

Second T20I today in Rawalpindi

The teams meet again at the same venue on Sunday, October 11, with the match scheduled for a 6:00 PM start. Pakistan can seal the series with another win, while Sri Lanka must win to stay alive in the contest.

Sources: Pakistan Cricket Board, ESPNcricinfo, myKhel, The News Pakistan, Cricket World, Yahoo Sports, Sri Lanka Cricket.