Pakistan’s returning stars from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) lit up the field in the first phase of the tournament, and they carried that form into international duty, guiding Pakistan to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
With less than a month remaining until the 2026 T20 World Cup, this three-match T20I series serves as a crucial rehearsal for both teams. Pakistan set the tone for their preparations with a confident chase, reaching the target of 129 runs with 20 balls to spare and six wickets in hand.
The foundation of Pakistan’s victory was laid during the powerplay, where openers Sahibzada Farhan and Syed Aiyub provided an aggressive start. Both players had previously impressed in the BPL—Farhan representing Rajshahi Royals and Aiyub playing for Sylhet Strikers—and they seamlessly carried that form into this match. Aiyub scored 24 runs off 18 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed, while Farhan played a more substantial innings, striking 51 runs off 36 deliveries, featuring four fours and two sixes.
Earlier, Sri Lanka found themselves under severe pressure against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, eventually being bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs. Openers struggled, with Kamil Mishra dismissed for a duck by Salman Mirza of Dhaka Capitals, and Pathum Nishanka falling cheaply to Wasim, having contributed 12 runs off 12 balls.
Middle-order batsman Janith Liyanage attempted to stabilise the innings, forging partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga (18 runs) and captain Dasun Shanaka (12 runs). Liyanage’s resistance lasted 31 balls, yielding 40 runs before he was trapped by Abrar Ahmed.
For Pakistan, both Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets each, while Shadab Khan picked up two. Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first, a tactical decision reflecting their focus on building momentum ahead of the World Cup.
This series, contested in Sri Lanka, is a pivotal examination of form and combinations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup starting on 7 February 2026. Pakistan will open their campaign against the Netherlands, and all group-stage and Super 8 matches, including potential semi-final or final fixtures, will take place in Sri Lanka.
Key Performances:
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Pakistan | 51 | 36 | 4 | 2 | – | – |
| Syed Aiyub | Pakistan | 24 | 18 | 3 | 1 | – | – |
| Janith Liyanage | Sri Lanka | 40 | 31 | 4 | 0 | – | – |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 18 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Dasun Shanaka | Sri Lanka | 12 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Salman Mirza | Pakistan | – | – | – | – | 3 | – |
| Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan | – | – | – | – | 3 | – |
| Shadab Khan | Pakistan | – | – | – | – | 2 | – |
Pakistan’s seamless transition from domestic T20 success to international performance highlights the depth of their squad and bodes well for the World Cup campaign.