RAWALPINDI, 10 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening match of the T20 International series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, powered by impressive half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat. Chasing a target of 183 runs, Pakistan reached the total with seven balls to spare. Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave the hosts a flying start, adding 52 runs in the first five overs, with Fakhar contributing 21 off 13 balls. After Fakhar’s dismissal, Maaz joined Farhan and the pair built a crucial 92-run partnership for the second wicket, taking Pakistan to 146 in less than 14 overs. Maaz scored 50 off 29 deliveries, including three sixes and four boundaries, while Farhan top-scored with a blistering 91 off 55 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. Sri Lanka briefly fought back by taking quick wickets towards the end, but Farhan’s attacking 18th over against Nuwan Thushara brought Pakistan close to victory before he was dismissed. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and another Sri Lankan bowler recorded two wickets each. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Lahiru Udara led the innings with an outstanding 91 off 55 balls, striking 11 fours and a six. He received valuable support from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23, as the pair helped Sri Lanka recover from an early collapse at 18 for two. Udara and Dasun Shanaka later added 57 runs off 34 balls to strengthen the visitors’ total. Shanaka contributed 18 runs, including two sixes. Pakistan’s Naseem Shah claimed three wickets, while debutant Mohammad Imran took two. The victory gave Pakistan a winning start to the T20I series.