
Wed Jan 07 14:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Pakistan Clinches Victory Against Sri Lanka in First T20 Match
The Story:
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20 match held in Dambulla on Wednesday. Sri Lanka, batting first, were all out for 128 runs. Pakistan chased down the target in 16.4 overs, losing only 4 wickets. Sahibzada Farhan scored a half-century, while Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed each took 3 wickets. Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Key Points:
- Sri Lanka was all out for 128 runs in 19.2 overs.
- Pakistan chased the target in 16.4 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
- Sahibzada Farhan scored 51 runs for Pakistan.
- Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed took 3 wickets each for Pakistan.
- Janith Liyanage top-scored for Sri Lanka with 40 runs.
- Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl.
- The second T20 match will be played on January 9, and the third on January 11, both in Dambulla.
- The T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka starting from February 7.
Key Takeaways:
- Pakistan demonstrated a strong batting performance, successfully chasing down the target with ease.
- Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled, resulting in a low score and early dismissal.
- Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed, played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka’s score.
- This victory gives Pakistan a significant advantage in the three-match T20 series.
- Both teams see this series as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.