Dominant Pakistan Triumphs Over Sri Lanka in T20I Opener

Pakistan secured a decisive six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-game series in Dambulla on Wednesday. This series, viewed as a preparation for the World Cup that Sri Lanka will co-host with India, is particularly significant for Pakistan. Due to political tensions with India, all of Pakistan’s tournament matches will be played in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan excelled in all departments, first restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total of 128 and then achieving the target with 20 deliveries remaining, showing minimal effort. The match swung in Pakistan’s favor early on when Shadab Khan dismantled the Sri Lankan innings by taking two wickets in his first over. The leg-spinner, making a comeback after shoulder surgery and playing his first match for Pakistan since June of the previous year, delivered an impactful performance.

“Coming back from injury is challenging. You have to restart from the beginning, but the surface was in my favor. We’re focused on the World Cup, and playing all our games here in Sri Lanka makes this series very important for us,” said Player of the Match, Shadab Khan.

Abrar Ahmed supported Shadab effectively, finishing with figures of 3-25, while left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza impressed by cleaning up the tail with figures of 3-18, leaving Sri Lanka all out with four balls to spare.

During Pakistan’s run chase, openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan started aggressively, reaching 50 runs in just 25 balls. Nuwan Thushara suffered during the assault, giving away 31 runs in his first two overs, as Pakistan took early control. Farhan led the chase with a composed 51 off 36 balls, including four fours and two sixes — marking his eighth T20I half-century — as Pakistan comfortably secured the win.

Sri Lanka’s defeat follows a turbulent period leading up to the series, during which captain Charith Asalanka was dropped, chairman of selectors Upul Tharanga was replaced, and the coaching staff underwent changes. Facing little time for adjustments, the host team will need to reassess its approach before the second match on Friday at the same venue.

“We didn’t get a good start and lost too many wickets, which is something we need to address. We recovered well and should have scored over 150, but we lost quick wickets,” remarked Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka.

Published on January 7, 2026.