Pakistan rout Sri Lanka to win T20I series after Maaz Sadaqat, Imran Randhawa heroics
Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second T20I in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 11, clinching the series with a match to spare. Maaz Sadaqat’s explosive 96 and a sensational three-wicket spell from Mohammad Imran Randhawa headlined a commanding display as Pakistan piled up 215 for 3 before restricting Sri Lanka to 133 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
The left-handed Sadaqat was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings, which propelled Pakistan to a formidable total. Sahibzada Farhan also played a crucial role with a fluent 73, while Imran dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting order with an economical spell of 4-0-11-3.
The emphatic victory underlined Pakistan’s superiority with both bat and ball, leaving Sri Lanka with too much to do after being set a daunting target of 216.
SADAQAT, FARHAN DOMINATE
Pakistan made an aggressive start after opting to bat, with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman providing early momentum. The opening partnership produced 55 runs before Theekshana dismissed Fakhar for 22 off 17 balls, an innings that included four boundaries.
Farhan continued to attack, striking four fours and five sixes during his 44-ball 73. He combined effectively with Sadaqat, who took charge as the innings progressed, ensuring Pakistan maintained a scoring rate above 10 runs per over.
The pair added 88 runs for the second wicket, putting Pakistan firmly in control before Farhan departed at 143/2 in the 15th over.
Sadaqat then accelerated spectacularly in the closing stages. The left-hander smashed six fours and seven sixes in his 51-ball 96, scoring at a strike rate of 188.23. He narrowly missed out on a century after falling to Eshan Malinga off the final ball of the innings.
Hasan Nawaz provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 19 off just nine deliveries, helping Pakistan reach their second-highest score in T20Is. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, with Maheesh Theekshana conceding 55 runs in four overs despite claiming one wicket.
IMRAN DISMANTLES SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Lahiru Udara fell for five in the opening over. Randhawa then struck twice to leave the visitors struggling, removing Sineth Jayawardena for 22 and captain Kusal Mendis for nine.
Imran returned to dismiss Sahan Arachchige for a duck, reducing Sri Lanka to 49 for 4 and leaving the chase in tatters. His figures, including 14 dot balls, proved decisive in restricting the visitors’ scoring opportunities.
Salman Mirza, who replaced Razaullah in the playing XI, provided further support with two wickets, while Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub claimed one apiece. Kamindu Mendis managed 23, but Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and never threatened to mount a serious challenge.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe offered some resistance with 29 off 24 balls, while Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32 from 26 deliveries. Their efforts helped Sri Lanka cross 130, but the required rate had long since moved beyond their reach.
– Ends
