Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in a low-scoring first T20I of the three-match series in Dambulla, thanks to some brilliant performances by their bowlers.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. The bowlers justified the decision by applying pressure right from the beginning. Sri Lanka never got going and kept losing wickets at regular intervals, eventually being bundled out for 128. Salman Mirza was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking 3/18 in his four overs at an economy rate of 4.50. Abrar Ahmed also took three wickets, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with two wickets each. For Sri Lanka, only Janith Liyanage showed some resistance, scoring 40 off 31 balls to help his team reach a respectable total.
In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub started aggressively and added 59 runs for the first wicket, effectively putting Pakistan in control of the match. Farhan then added another 35 runs for the second wicket with Salman Agha. The Pakistan opener was eventually dismissed for 51 off 36 balls by Dushmantha Chameera. His innings included four fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 141.67. Shadab Khan and Usman Khan finished the match comfortably with 20 balls to spare. For his all-round performance, Shadab was adjudged Player of the Match.
The second match of the series will be played on 9 January.
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