Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20 International of the 2026 series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 2026. Sahibzada Farhan delivered an outstanding batting performance, scoring 89 runs off 53 balls to help Pakistan chase down Sri Lanka’s target of 183 runs with seven balls remaining.
Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 182/8 in 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Pakistan responded with 187/6 in 18.5 overs, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I 2026: Match Summary
- Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I
- Date: October 9, 2026
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Sri Lanka: 182/8 in 20 overs
- Pakistan: 187/6 in 18.5 overs
- Result: Pakistan won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan
- Series: Pakistan lead 1–0
Sri Lanka Score 182/8 Against Pakistan
Sri Lanka started their innings looking to put pressure on Pakistan’s bowling attack. Lahiru Udara played an excellent innings, scoring 91 runs off 55 deliveries. His knock included 11 fours and one six, making him the leading run-scorer of the match.
Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 runs off 18 balls, while captain Dasun Shanaka added 18 runs from 15 deliveries. However, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals, preventing them from building an even bigger total.
Pakistan’s bowlers made important breakthroughs throughout the innings. Naseem Shah was the standout performer with three wickets for 36 runs. Mohammad Imran, making his T20I debut, claimed two wickets for 21 runs in four overs.
Sri Lanka eventually finished on 182/8, setting Pakistan a target of 183 runs to win the opening match.
Sahibzada Farhan Leads Pakistan’s Successful Chase
Pakistan needed a strong batting performance to chase the target, and Sahibzada Farhan delivered exactly that. Opening the innings, Farhan scored 89 runs off 53 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes.
Fakhar Zaman provided an aggressive start with 21 runs from 13 deliveries. Their opening partnership of 54 runs gave Pakistan early momentum and helped establish a strong foundation for the chase.
Maaz Sadaqat then joined Farhan and produced an impressive innings of 50 runs off 29 balls, including four fours and three sixes. The pair added 92 runs for the second wicket, putting Pakistan in a commanding position.
Although Pakistan lost a few wickets during the final stages, the team maintained its scoring rate. Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 runs from seven balls as Pakistan reached 187/6 in 18.5 overs.
Farhan’s match-winning contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Scorecard
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 182/8 (20 overs) |
| Pakistan | 187/6 (18.5 overs) |
Top performers
- Lahiru Udara (Sri Lanka): 91 runs off 55 balls
- Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan): 89 runs off 53 balls
- Maaz Sadaqat (Pakistan): 50 runs off 29 balls
- Naseem Shah (Pakistan): 3 wickets for 36 runs
- Mohammad Imran (Pakistan): 2 wickets for 21 runs
Pakistan Bowling Performance
Pakistan’s bowling attack played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka to 182 runs. Naseem Shah removed key batters and finished with three wickets, while debutant Mohammad Imran impressed with two wickets in his four-over spell.
Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Razaullah also contributed with a wicket each. These breakthroughs helped Pakistan prevent Sri Lanka from reaching a potentially more challenging total.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Effort
Sri Lanka’s bowlers picked up six wickets but could not stop Pakistan’s scoring momentum. Eshan Malinga took two wickets for 33 runs, while Maheesh Theekshana also claimed two wickets.
Despite these efforts, Farhan and Sadaqat’s partnership shifted the match in Pakistan’s favour. Sri Lanka struggled to contain the scoring rate during the middle overs, allowing Pakistan to move closer to victory.
What the Result Means for the Series
Pakistan’s four-wicket victory gives the team a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The successful chase will provide confidence to Pakistan’s batting lineup, particularly after Farhan’s outstanding performance and Sadaqat’s valuable half-century.
Sri Lanka will look to improve their bowling performance in the second T20I while building on Udara’s impressive batting display. With two matches remaining, the series remains competitive, but Pakistan have gained an early advantage.
The second T20I is scheduled for October 11, 2026, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
FAQs
1. Who won the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I 2026?
Pakistan won the first T20I against Sri Lanka by four wickets, taking a 1–0 lead in the series.
2. What was Sri Lanka’s score in the 1st T20I?
Sri Lanka scored 182 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.
3. What was Pakistan’s score against Sri Lanka?
Pakistan scored 187/6 in 18.5 overs while chasing a target of 183 runs.
4. Who was the Player of the Match in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I 2026?
Sahibzada Farhan was named Player of the Match for his impressive innings of 89 runs off 53 balls.
5. How many runs did Sahibzada Farhan score against Sri Lanka?
Sahibzada Farhan scored 89 runs off 53 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes.
6. Who was Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in the match?
Lahiru Udara was Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer, making 91 runs off 55 balls.
7. How many wickets did Naseem Shah take in the first T20I?
Naseem Shah took three wickets for 36 runs in his bowling spell.
8. How many runs did Maaz Sadaqat score against Sri Lanka?
Maaz Sadaqat scored 50 runs off 29 balls, helping Pakistan move closer to victory.
9. What was the result of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I?
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets after successfully chasing the target of 183 runs.
10. What is Pakistan’s position in the T20I series after the first match?
Pakistan lead the three-match T20I series 1–0 following their victory in the opening match.
11. Where was the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I played?
The match was played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
12. When is the second T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
The second T20I is scheduled for October 11, 2026, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I 2026 produced an exciting contest, with Pakistan securing a four-wicket win while chasing 183 runs. Lahiru Udara’s 91 gave Sri Lanka a strong platform, but Sahibzada Farhan’s 89 and Maaz Sadaqat’s 50 guided Pakistan to victory.
Pakistan now lead the series 1–0 and will aim to maintain their winning momentum in the second T20I.
Stay tuned for more Pakistan cricket news, T20I match reports, live score updates and series results.
