Pakistan delivered a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday in the ongoing T20 tri-series, powered by a career-best performance from Sahibzada Farhan. The hosts comfortably chased down Sri Lanka's target of 129 in just 15.3 overs, securing their second consecutive win in the tournament.
Farhan was the star of the show, remaining unbeaten on 80 from 45 balls, an innings laced with six fours and five sixes. He shared a 69-run partnership with Babar Azam, 16, to ensure the chase was never in doubt, sealing the win with a six off Eshan Malinga.
Earlier, Sri Lanka elected to bat first but struggled to build momentum against the Pakistan bowling attack. Despite a brisk start from Kamil Mishara, who scored 22 off 11 balls, the visitors faltered within the powerplay. Mishara was deceived by a slower ball from Faheem Ashraf, and Kusal Mendis was run out attempting a risky second run.
Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz then dismantled the middle order, claiming 3 for 16 in a decisive four-over spell. Nawaz removed Kusal Perera and captain Dasun Shanaka in consecutive deliveries, reducing Sri Lanka to 80 for 5 by the 12th over.
Sri Lanka's lower order offered limited resistance, with Janith Liyanage top-scoring with an unbeaten 41 off 38 balls to drag the total to 128 for 7. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim, kept the scoring rate in check during the death overs, conceding only 37 runs in the final five.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed also contributed with a wicket, ensuring Sri Lanka never recovered from their mid-innings collapse. The defeat leaves Sri Lanka winless in the series, following their 67-run loss to Zimbabwe in the opener.
Pakistan's response began aggressively, with openers Saim Ayub, 20, and Farhan adding 47 runs in the first five overs. Although Shanaka stumped Ayub, Farhan continued to attack the bowlers, particularly targeting the leg-spinners.
Dushmantha Chameera provided a brief spark for Sri Lanka, taking two late wickets including that of Babar Azam and skipper Salman Ali Agha, but it was too little to halt Pakistan's charge. Farhan’s knock not only secured the win but also surpassed his previous T20 best of 74.
Post-match, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka expressed disappointment with his team's performance. "We aren't a team that should perform like this, we're better than this," he stated. "Since we arrived here we have struggled to find rhythm batting in these pitches."
Conversely, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised his team's all-round effort and Farhan's match-winning ability. Pakistan, now atop the table with two wins, will face Zimbabwe on Sunday, while Sri Lanka remains at the bottom with significant net run rate concerns.