Green Shirts beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in first T20I

Dambulla: Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series after defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the opening match.

Chasing a target of 129, Pakistan reached the total in the 17th over, losing four wickets.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bowl first against hosts Sri Lanka. All-rounder Shadab Khan returned to the playing XI, which also included Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed were also part of the lineup.

Sri Lanka innings:
Thanks to an impressive bowling display by Pakistan, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs. Janith Liyanage top-scored with 40, while Hasaranga and Asalanka contributed 18 runs each. For Pakistan, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed picked up three wickets apiece, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim claimed two wickets each.

Pakistan innings:
Pakistan comfortably chased down the target, powered by an excellent knock from Sahibzada Farhan. He starred with 51 off 36 balls, while Saim Ayub scored 24. Salman Ali Agha made 16 and Fakhar Zaman scored five before being dismissed. Shadab Khan (18) and Usman Khan (7) remained unbeaten to seal the win.