Pakistan's Dominant Six-Wicket Thrashing of Sri Lanka in Thriller 1st T20I Scorecard Breakdown

Pakistan kicked off their T20I series against Sri Lanka with a commanding six-wicket victory in the first match at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, 2026, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.[1][2]

Sri Lanka struggled on a two-paced pitch, managing only 128 all out in 19.2 overs. Janith Liyanage top-scored with 40 runs, but the innings crumbled under Pakistan's bowling attack. Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed starred with 3 wickets each (Mirza 3-18, Abrar 3-25), while Shadab Khan claimed 2.[1][2][3]

Key moments defined Sri Lanka's collapse: early wickets of Kamil Mishara (2.2 ov) and Pathum Nissanka (3.2 ov) left them at 15/2. Further dismissals of Kusal Mendis (37/3), Dhananjaya de Silva (38/4), and Charith Asalanka (72/5) piled pressure. Wanindu Hasaranga (110/6) and Liyanage (127/7) fell late, with the tail folding quickly.[3][4]

In reply, Pakistan chased 129 in just 16.4 overs, finishing at 129/4. Sahibzada Farhan's explosive 51 off 36 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) anchored the chase, supported by Saim Ayub's 24. They raced to 50 in 4.1 overs. Despite losing Ayub (59/1), Agha Salman (94/2), Farhan (101/3), and Fakhar Zaman (106/4), Shadab Khan's unbeaten 18 off 12 sealed the win.[1][2][4]

Shadab Khan earned Player of the Match for his all-round contribution: 2 wickets and vital runs.[1][2] Pakistan's bowlers, including Mohammad Wasim (2 wickets), restricted Sri Lanka effectively, while their openers teed off aggressively, hitting three sixes early compared to Sri Lanka's two in the entire innings.[2]

This win serves as a T20 World Cup dress rehearsal, with both teams set to play key matches in Sri Lanka. Dasun Shanaka leads the hosts, while Shadab returns post-surgery.[5]

Full Scorecard Highlights:

• Sri Lanka 128/10 (19.2 ov): Liyanage 40; Mirza 3-18, Abrar 3-25, Shadab 2, Wasim 2.[1][2]
• Pakistan 129/4 (16.4 ov): Farhan 51, Ayub 24, Shadab 18*; de Silva 1-4.[1][2]

Fans in India witnessed Pakistan's dominance in this high-stakes series opener, setting the tone for intense battles ahead.[4][5]