Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed Shine as Pakistan Secures T20 Victory Over Sri Lanka
Shadab Khan, making a welcome return to the Pakistan side, was instrumental in their six-wicket triumph against Sri Lanka in the first T20 International. The match, held at the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium, saw the visitors take an early lead in the three-match series.
Featuring for Pakistan for the first time since June last year, Shadab Khan impressed with the ball, teaming up effectively with Abrar Ahmed. Their combined efforts restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total.
Shadab Khan’s Impactful Bowling Performance
Shadab Khan’s all-round contribution proved crucial. He snared two key wickets, demonstrating his value with the ball. This performance, alongside Abrar Ahmed’s three dismissals, played a significant role in limiting Sri Lanka to just 128 runs.
Shadab conceded only 25 runs across his four overs. He secured both his wickets in his opening over, showcasing an immediate impact. A dropped catch later prevented him from a potential third wicket, as reported by SindhNews.com.
Abrar Ahmed’s Crucial Wickets
Coming into the attack in the seventh over, Shadab built on the early breakthroughs. Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza had already claimed a wicket each, leaving Sri Lanka at 35-2 after the powerplay. Shadab then had Kusal Mendis adjudged lbw and induced an edge from Dhananjaya de Silva.
With Sri Lanka struggling at 59-4 by the halfway mark, Abrar Ahmed seized the opportunity. The mystery spinner deceived Charith Asalanka with a googly, leading to a catch behind the stumps. This left Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 72-5.
Sahibzada Farhan Seals the Chase
In response, Pakistan started aggressively. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a flying start, reaching 59-1 by the end of the powerplay. Saim Ayub contributed a quickfire 24 off 18 balls before departing.
Sahibzada Farhan, meanwhile, launched a strong counter-attack, scoring freely against the Sri Lankan bowlers. He reached his half-century off 35 balls, marking his third in recent matches. His fluent 51 off 36 balls was pivotal in Pakistan’s chase.
Despite a mid-innings wobble that saw Pakistan lose a couple of quick wickets, including Sahibzada and Fakhar Zaman, the target was well within reach. Shadab Khan (18 not out) and captain Salman Ali Agha provided the finishing touches.
Pakistan Overhauls Sri Lanka’s Total
The Pakistani batting order demonstrated resilience and strong stroke play throughout the innings. Sahibzada Farhan’s half-century was the cornerstone of the chase, ably supported by contributions from across the lineup.
Pakistan successfully chased down the target of 129 with a comfortable margin of six wickets and 20 balls to spare. This victory sets a positive tone for Pakistan in the three-match T20I series.