Sahibzada Farhan blasted an unbeaten 80 off just 45 balls to steer Pakistan to a dominant seven-wicket victory over out-of-form Sri Lanka in the T20 tri-series on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, still reeling from a heavy loss to Zimbabwe in their opening match, mustered only 128-7 after opting to bat first. Early promise from Kamil Mishara (22) faded quickly as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip.

Mohammad Nawaz led the attack with impressive figures of 3-16, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a wicket as Sri Lanka slipped to 80-5 by the 12th over. Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 41 off 38 provided some late resistance, but disciplined death bowling from Mohammad Wasim and Mirza restricted the visitors to a modest total.

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Pakistan replied with authority as Farhan launched a flurry of strokes to give the hosts a rapid start. Despite losing Saim Ayub for 20, Farhan kept attacking, adding 69 valuable runs with Babar Azam (16) and reaching his fifty in 33 balls.

Dushmantha Chameera claimed two wickets late in the innings, but Pakistan’s chase remained well on track. Farhan sealed the win — and surpassed his previous best T20 score — with a straight six off Malinga, guiding Pakistan to 131-3 in only 15.3 overs.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised the all-round performance, while Sri Lanka’s skipper Dasun Shanaka lamented his side’s ongoing batting struggles throughout the tour. Pakistan, unbeaten in the series so far, will face Zimbabwe next on Sunday.

Source: AP