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DAMBULLA: Pakistan kicked off their tour of Sri Lanka with a commanding six-wicket victory in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, chasing down a modest target of 129 with 20 balls to spare. The win gives the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, serving as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first under lights, a decision that paid dividends as their bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 128 in their 20 overs. The hosts got off to a steady start, reaching 50 in 9.2 overs and 100 in 14.3 overs, but regular wickets stalled their momentum. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed starred with impressive figures, reportedly finishing with 3 wickets in his 4 overs for just 25 runs, including the key scalp of the well-set Janith Liyanage.
Dhananjaya de Silva, making his first T20I appearance since June 2024, provided some resistance alongside skipper Dasun Shanaka, but Sri Lanka’s innings fizzled out with late strikes from Pakistan’s attack, which included returning all-rounder Shadab Khan – playing his first T20I for Pakistan since June 2025 – and others like Mohammad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf.
In response, Pakistan lost early wickets, slipping to 106/4 by the 13.2 over when Fakhar Zaman departed for a labored 5 off 10 balls. However, the experienced Shadab Khan and wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan steadied the ship with an unbeaten partnership. At the close, Shadab was on 18 off 12 balls, striking three boundaries at a strike rate of 150, while Usman remained not out on 7 off 13.
The chase was completed in just 16.4 overs, with Shadab and Usman guiding Pakistan home comfortably. Dhananjaya de Silva picked up a wicket for Sri Lanka with his off-spin, conceding only 4 runs in 2 overs, but it wasn’t enough to stem the flow.
This series marks an important tune-up for the upcoming World Cup, where conditions in Sri Lanka are expected to favor spin. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first exploited the dew factor effectively, and their spinners – led by Abrar and Shadab – dominated proceedings. For Sri Lanka, the return of de Silva added depth, but they will need better contributions from their top order in the remaining matches.
The second T20I will be played at the same venue, with both teams looking to fine-tune their combinations. Pakistan, without stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi (engaged in the Big Bash League or recovering from injury), showcased depth and resilience, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back on home soil.
Pakistan’s clinical performance sets a positive tone for the tour, boosting confidence as they build towards the global event. Fans can expect more exciting cricket as the series progresses in Dambulla.
