What a night in Rawalpindi! Pakistan just put on an absolute clinic against a struggling Sri Lankan side, sealing their second straight win in the T20I Tri-Series. The star of the show was undoubtedly Sahibzada Farhan, who played an electrifying, career-best knock of 80 not out to guide his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory. It was a complete performance that started with some incredibly disciplined bowling and ended with a fireworks display from Farhan.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Sahibzada Farhan lit up Rawalpindi with a career-best unbeaten 80 runs off just 45 balls.
- ✓ Pakistan cruised to a massive seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, chasing the target in only 15.3 overs.
- ✓ Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling, taking three crucial wickets.
- ✓ Sri Lanka struggled with the bat after winning the toss, posting a below-par total of 128 for 7.
- ✓ Dushmantha Chameera provided a brief spark for Sri Lanka, taking two wickets in two balls in the 14th over.
The Farhan Show: A Chase Masterclass
When Pakistan came out to chase a modest 129, the tone was set almost immediately. Sri Lanka's bowlers, especially Eshan Malinga, struggled with their lines early on, handing over easy runs that let Pakistan's openers settle in. Though captain Dasun Shanaka managed to get the first breakthrough by sending Saim Ayub back to the pavilion, the damage had already begun. The foundation was laid, and that’s when Farhan decided to take complete control.
Farhan was simply unstoppable. He reached his half-century in what felt like a flash and only got more aggressive from there. His innings was a brilliant mix of power and placement, featuring six boundaries and an incredible five sixes that left the Sri Lankan fielders as mere spectators. Even when Sri Lanka’s spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, tried to apply the brakes and momentarily slowed down Babar Azam, Farhan kept his foot on the gas.
Sealing the Deal in Style
That brief scare from Chameera, putting him on a hat-trick, was quickly forgotten. Farhan remained composed, continuing his hard-hitting assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers. He made sure there were no more hiccups, steering the team home with plenty of time to spare. The winning runs came in the 16th over, with Farhan lofting a full-length delivery from Eshan Malinga over mid-off for a boundary. It was the perfect ending to a near-perfect chase, wrapping up the game in just 15.3 overs.
How the Stage Was Set: Pakistan's Bowling Dominance
Let's rewind a bit, because this victory was truly built on the back of an exceptional bowling performance. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that seemed logical on a pitch expected to be good for hitting. However, things did not go according to plan for the visitors. Their innings never really got going, plagued by a combination of poor shot selection and some seriously disciplined bowling from Pakistan.
The man who really broke the back of the Sri Lankan batting lineup was Mohammad Nawaz. His spell was nothing short of brilliant. He claimed three crucial wickets and consistently kept the pressure on, never allowing the batsmen to settle. His performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. The entire Pakistani bowling unit and the fielders were sharp, operating cohesively to ensure Sri Lanka couldn't build any meaningful partnerships.
Sri Lanka's Batting Woes Continue
This match marked the second time in the series that Sri Lanka's batters failed to deliver. After being bowled out for just 95 against Zimbabwe, they once again couldn't put up a competitive total. Wickets fell in clusters, a problem their captain later admitted was a major concern. By the 12th over, they were already five wickets down with only 78 runs on the board. Only Janith Liyanage, with a score of 41, managed to offer some resistance and prevent a total collapse. But in the end, 128 for 7 was never going to be enough against this in-form Pakistani side.
Post-Match Reactions and Takeaways
After the match, the captains and the star player shared their thoughts, giving us a little insight into their mindsets. Pakistan’s skipper, Salman Agha, spoke about the importance of discipline on a pitch like Rawalpindi's. He explained that any lapse in line and length could be punished, so his focus was on keeping the bowling tight. He also touched on using variations smartly, enjoying his all-rounder responsibilities, and his simple mantra: "stay calm, stay clear, and always give 100 percent."
On the other side, Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka was candid about his team's performance. He openly admitted they underperformed and weren't up to their usual standards. He pointed to a lack of intent and the recurring issue of losing wickets in clusters as major concerns. Despite the tough loss, he remained confident, stating that they are a better team than their recent performances suggest and would work on these issues for the remaining games.
And what about the Player of the Match? Mohammad Nawaz kept his comments straightforward and focused. He said he’s been working hard on his line and lengths to perfect his delivery. His success came from simply sticking to the plan and trying out different variations to keep the batters guessing. It’s that kind of clear-headed approach that earned him the award and set Pakistan on the path to victory.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, this was a statement win for Pakistan. They completely outplayed Sri Lanka in every department. The bowlers, led by the brilliant Mohammad Nawaz, restricted a struggling batting lineup to a very manageable total. Then, Sahibzada Farhan delivered an absolute blinder of an innings—an unbeaten 80 off 45—that was as entertaining as it was dominant. It was a comprehensive victory that cements their strong position in the T20I Tri-Series and sends a clear message to their upcoming opponents.
