Dambulla, January 7, 2026 – A dominant all-round performance led by a returning Shadab Khan saw Pakistan secure a convincing 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. With this win, the Men in Green take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.
Match Summary
- Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field.
- Sri Lanka: 128 all out (19.2 overs)
- Pakistan: 129/4 (16.4 overs)
- Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets (with 20 balls to spare).
- Player of the Match: Shadab Khan (2/25 & 18*)
Sri Lanka Stumble Against Spin Trio
After being put in to bat on a two-paced surface, the Sri Lankan top order struggled to find any momentum. Salman Mirza set the tone early, removing the openers in a fiery Powerplay spell. However, it was the spin duo of Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed that truly dismantled the hosts.
Shadab, making his international comeback, claimed two wickets in his very first over, dismissing Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva. Abrar Ahmed was equally clinical, bamboozling the middle order to finish with figures of 3/25. Despite a fighting 40 from Janith Liyanage and a brief cameo from Wanindu Hasaranga (18), Sri Lanka collapsed from 127/6 to 128 all out, losing their final four wickets for just one run.
Pakistan’s Clinical Chase
Chasing a modest target of 129, Pakistan’s openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub provided a blistering start. The pair raced to 59 within the Powerplay before Ayub was dismissed for 24.
Farhan continued his rich vein of form, anchoring the innings with a well-paced 51 off 36 balls, featuring four boundaries and two massive sixes. Although Sri Lanka’s spinners managed to pick up a few middle-order wickets, the result was never in doubt. Shadab Khan (18*) and Usman Khan (11*) remained composed to guide Pakistan home in the 17th over.
| Player | Stats | Impact |
| Sahibzada Farhan | 51 (36) | Provided the platform for an easy chase. |
| Salman Mirza | 3/18 | Broke the back of the SL batting order early. |
| Abrar Ahmed | 3/25 | Masterful spin bowling in the middle overs. |
| Shadab Khan | 2/25 & 18* | All-round brilliance on his comeback. |
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will look to bounce back and keep the series alive when the two teams meet again for the 2nd T20I on Friday, January 9, at the same venue. For Pakistan, a win in the next game will secure the series trophy before the final match on Sunday.
