Sri Lanka vs Pakistan HIGHLIGHTS, 1st T20: PAK beat hosts SL by 6 wickets, take 1-0 lead in series
Farhan's half century paved the way in the chase for the visitors as Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
 "PAK vs SL 1st T20I")
PAK vs SL 1st T20I
Pakistan delivered a dominant all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, winning with clinical precision. After winning the toss, they controlled the game from the start, executing their plans flawlessly. The new-ball pair of Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza provided an early breakthrough, removing Sri Lanka's openers inside the powerplay. The early wickets set the tone, and Sri Lanka never recovered from the pressure.
Their batting faltered, with partnerships failing to materialize and wickets falling at regular intervals. The Sri Lankan innings limped to a modest total of 128, a score that never seemed threatening.
Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed were the standout bowlers for Pakistan, both taking three wickets. Mirza’s tight spell was crucial in breaking the back of Sri Lanka’s middle order, while Ahmed capitalized on the pressure to dismiss key batsmen. The Sri Lankan side struggled to get going, with only a few players showing any resistance, but they were unable to build partnerships that could have put Pakistan under pressure.
In reply, Pakistan chased down the target with ease, maintaining an attacking approach from the very start. The openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, set the tone, taking on the Sri Lankan bowlers and racing to a quick start. Farhan, in particular, was in excellent form, scoring a composed fifty to anchor the innings. Despite a few middle-order wickets falling, Pakistan was always in control of the chase. They wrapped up the game in just 16.4 overs, completing a comprehensive win.
Pakistan’s clinical performance with both bat and ball ensures they are firmly in charge, leaving Sri Lanka with much to ponder ahead of the second T20I.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st T20I playing 11:
Sri Lanka Playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Pakistan playing 11: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
10:13 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: Pakistan cruise to victory!
Pakistan have secured a comfortable 6-wicket win against hosts Sri Lanka. Chasing down a comfortable 129 on the night, it was Farhan's half century that guided the chase in Dambulla.
10:07 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: PAK need 10 runs off 30 balls!
Pakistan now need just 10 runs to win in the last 5 overs with Usman and Shadab at the crease.
9:58 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: Fakhar Zaman departs!
Dhananjaya de Silva gets his first wicket as Fakhar Zaman departs via a stumping by the keeper. PAK lose their 4th wicket now with the score at 106/4
9:56 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: PAK need 23 off 42 balls!
Pakistan cruising towards the win as they just need 23 runs to win in the last 7 overs.
9:51 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: Farhan departs after fifty!
Farhan is caught at long off as Chameera gets another wicket. A well made 51 from the opener.
9:50 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: 50 for Fifty!
Farhan delivers for his side again with a well hit fifty.
9:46 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: Hasaranga gets Salman!
Hasaranga bowled a juicy full toss to Salman Agha, who charged down the wicket and attempted to clear the boundary. However, he miscued the shot, sending the ball towards long-on. Pathum Nissanka positioned himself well and comfortably took the catch, dismissing Agha. Despite the full toss, Hasaranga picked up a crucial wicket as Agha was caught out for a mis-timed shot, with the score now one wicket down for Pakistan.
9:32 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: 13 runs from the over!
Over Summary 1 1 1 2 4lb 4; PAK 76/1 after 8 overs; Farhan 42 (25) Salman 4 (5)
Chameera continues the attack for Sri Lanka and concedes 13 runs from the over
9:26 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: 4 runs from the over!
Over Summary 0 0 1 1 1 1; PAK 63/1 after 7 overs; Farhan 36 (22) Salman 2 (3)
Hasaranga continues the attack for Sri Lanka and concedes 4 runs from the over
9:20 PM
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan LIVE SCORE UPDATES, 1st T20I: Saim cleaned up by Theekshana!
Theekshana gets the breakthrough as Saim Ayub is cleaned up in the last over fo the powerplay!
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First Published: Jan 07 2026 | 6:00 PM IST