Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win T20I series after heroics from Maaz Sadaqat and Imran Randhawa

Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second T20I in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 11, clinching the series. Maaz Sadaqat’s explosive spell of 96 and a sensational three-wicket spell from Mohammad Imran Randhawa headlined a commanding show as Pakistan piled up 215 for 3 before restricting Sri Lanka to 133 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard

The left-handed Sadaqat was named the man of the match for his excellent innings that powered Pakistan to a formidable total. Sahibzada Farhan also played a vital role with a fluent 73 while Imran dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting order with an economical spell of 4-0-11-3.

The emphatic victory underlined Pakistan’s dominance with both bat and ball, leaving Sri Lanka with too much to do after being set a daunting target of 216.

SADAQAT, FARHAN DOMINATE

Pakistan got off to an aggressive start after opting to bat, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman providing the initial impetus. The opening partnership produced 55 runs before Theekshana dismissed Fakhar for 22 off 17 balls, an innings that included four boundaries.

Farhan continued the onslaught, hitting four fours and five sixes during his 44-ball 73. He combined effectively with Sadaqat, who took command throughout the innings and ensured Pakistan kept the score above 10 runs per over.

The pair added 88 runs for the second wicket, putting Pakistan firmly in control before Farhan departed in the 15th over at 143/2.

Sadaqat then accelerated spectacularly in the closing stages. The left-hander smashed six fours and seven sixes in his 51-ball 96 to post a strike rate of 188.23. He narrowly missed out on a century after he fell to Eshan Malinga on the last ball of the innings.

Hasan Nawaz provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 19 off just nine deliveries, helping Pakistan to their second-highest score in T20Is. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to keep the score down, with Maheesh Theekshana conceding 55 runs in four overs despite claiming one wicket.

IMRAN DISASSEMBLES SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Lahiru Udara fell for five in the opening over. Randhawa then struck twice to leave the visitors struggling as he removed Sineth Jayawardene for 22 and skipper Kusal Mendis for nine.

Imran came back to dismiss Sahan Arachchige for a duck, reducing Sri Lanka to 49 for 4 and leaving the chase in tatters. His figures, including 14 points, proved decisive in limiting the visitors’ scoring opportunities.

Salman Mirza, who replaced Razaullah in the playing eleven, provided further support with two wickets while Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub claimed one each. Kamindu Mendis managed 23 but Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and never threatened to mount a serious challenge.

Chamindu Wickramasinghe offered some resistance with 29 off 24 balls while Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32 off 26 deliveries. Their efforts helped Sri Lanka pass 130, but the required rate had long since moved beyond their reach.

– The end