Farhan's 89 helps Pakistan chase 183 to beat Sri Lanka in first T20I in Rawalpindi

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Twenty20 international at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9, 2026, chasing down a target of 183 with seven balls to spare. Sri Lanka won the toss, chose to bat and made 182 for 8, built around Lahiru Udara's 91. Pakistan reached 187 for 6 in 18.5 overs, led by opener Sahibzada Farhan's 89, after a fast start that brought 70 runs in the six-over powerplay. The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second game in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 11.

A total of 182 is usually a competitive score in a T20 game, and Sri Lanka had good reason to feel confident after Udara's innings. Pakistan's reply showed how much the modern T20 chase depends on the first six overs, the fielding-restriction powerplay. By scoring 70 in that phase, Pakistan's openers took the pressure off the middle order and turned a stiff target into a manageable one. Farhan's 89 was the anchor; even when wickets fell later, the required rate never got out of hand.

For Sri Lanka, the defeat comes despite a strong batting display at the top. Udara's 91 nearly carried the innings on its own, but the side lost eight wickets and could not push the total past 190. Naseem Shah's three wickets kept Sri Lanka in check at key moments, a reminder of the value of a fast bowler who can strike in the middle overs as well as with the new ball.

Home series like this one also matter for Pakistan cricket beyond the scoreline. A full tour, with T20Is followed by Tests, gives home crowds in Rawalpindi a sustained run of international cricket and gives selectors a long look at players in home conditions.

For Indian fans, the series is worth watching as a guide to the form of two Asian rivals. India face both teams regularly in multi-team tournaments, and the batting depth and bowling options each side tries out now will shape how they line up in those contests.

Short-term: Sri Lanka must win on Sunday, October 11, to keep the series alive, while Pakistan can seal it with another victory.

Long-term: Strong home performances help Pakistan settle its T20 batting order and build confidence ahead of the Test leg of the tour.

Who is affected: Pakistan and Sri Lanka players and selectors, fans of both teams, and broadcasters and organisers of the series.

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