Winning match for the captain’s debut! Sahibzada Farhan leads Pakistan to a stunning chase against Sri Lanka

Sahibzada Farhan bats during the first T20I against Sri Lanka. (Download video) Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his elevation as Pakistan’s T20I captain in spectacular fashion as he steered his team to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-match series in Rawalpindi on Friday.Farhan’s explosive 53-ball knock that chased down 183 for victory, combined with Maaz Sadaqat’s maiden T20I half-century, powered Pakistan to 187/6 in 18.5 overs. The visitors secured a 1-0 lead in the series after overcoming a spirited Sri Lankan effort led by opener Lahiru Udara.Farhan slammed 10 fours and four sixes in a commanding innings while Sadaqat hit 50 off just 29 deliveries to keep Pakistan firmly in control.

Farhan, Sadaqat, turn the hunt into a running festival

Pakistan’s opening pair of Farhan and Fakhar Zaman got off to an aggressive start as they bowled just 31 balls for 54 runs. Fakhar contributed 21 before departing but the early momentum continued as Sadaqat joined his captain at the crease.Sri Lanka’s pace attack struggled to stem the onslaught. Tall fast bowler Dushmanth Chameera conceded 32 runs in his two overs as Pakistan got the chase off to a flying start.Sadaqat immediately attacked Eshan Malinga, hitting two sixes and a four in his first four deliveries against the bowler. He then combined with Farhan in a scintillating partnership of 92 runs off 53 balls that steered Pakistan to victory.Sadaqat reached his maiden T20I half-century in just 28 balls but fell on the very next delivery and Maheesh Theekshana finished with 2/36, trapped leg before wicket.Sri Lanka fought back briefly as Chameera claimed his 100th T20 wicket by catching Hasan Nawaz leg-side. Theekshana then bowled Saim Ayub for eight with a delivery that stayed low.However, Farhan continued to counter-attack and faced Theekshan with a six and three fours in one over. His brilliant innings eventually came to an end when Sahan Arachchige took a spectacular catch at midwicket, but Pakistan needed just three runs to win at this stage.

A batting 91 takes Sri Lanka to a competitive total

Earlier, Udara hit a brilliant 91 off 55 balls to help Sri Lanka to 182/8 against a revamped Pakistan attack featuring debutants Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.Naseem Shah, recalled to the T20I squad after Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris were left out, made an immediate impact by dismissing Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis in the opening match. Imran also impressed on debut, taking 2/21 while Naseem finished with 3/36.Sri Lanka struggled early before Udara steadied the innings. He added 60 runs to this with Kamindu Mendis scoring 23 and followed it up with 57 runs alongside Dasun Shanaka who scored 18.Udara reached his half-century off 32 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six before falling in Naseem’s final over. Sri Lanka scored 66 runs in the last six overs to give their bowlers a tough target, but Farhan’s captaincy debut proved memorable as Pakistan completed the chase with seven balls to spare.Rawalpindi will host the remaining two matches on Sunday and next Tuesday.