Pakistan’s Bowling Dominates as Sri Lanka Collapses
DAMBULLA: Pakistan gained an early advantage in the three-match T20 series as Sri Lanka posted a modest total of 128 in 19.2 overs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bowl first. The decision paid off immediately. Sri Lanka’s top and middle-order batsmen struggled under pressure. No player managed to anchor the innings.
Janith Liyanage was the standout for Sri Lanka, scoring 40 runs off 31 balls. Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga contributed 18 runs each, while Kusal Mendis added 14. Several batsmen, including opener Kamil Mishara and Dushmantha Chameera, returned without scoring.
Pakistan bowlers were clinical. Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim chipped in with two wickets apiece. Sri Lanka was bowled out before completing their full 20 overs, giving Pakistan a target of 129 runs.
Key Playing XI
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.
Series Context and Upcoming Matches
The second and third T20 matches are scheduled for January 9 and 11. This series serves as crucial preparation for upcoming international tournaments. It also offers both teams a platform to test experienced and emerging players under competitive conditions.
Historically, Pakistan leads the T20 head-to-head record against Sri Lanka, winning 16 of the 27 encounters. Pakistan enters the series with strong momentum, having lost only one of their last five T20s—ironically against Sri Lanka. The hosts have won just two of their previous five matches.
Yesterday, both captains attended the trophy unveiling ceremony and posed for photos with the series trophy, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Pakistan will look to chase down 129 runs confidently, aiming to secure a 1-0 lead in the opening match.
