Sahibzada Farhan’s 89-run haul gives Pakistan 1-0 series lead in Rawalpindi

Pakistan batter Maaz Sadaqat scored 50 runs off 29 balls to lead his side to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, 9 October. The 21-year-old’s maiden T20I half-century anchored a chase that saw Pakistan reach 187 for six in 18.5 overs, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Sadaqat and Farhan lead chase Chasing a target of 183, Pakistan relied on a 92-run partnership between Sadaqat and the new T20I captain, Sahibzada Farhan. While Farhan top-scored with 89 runs from 53 deliveries, Sadaqat’s innings was defined by high-impact boundary hitting, including four boundaries and three sixes. The young batter gained significant attention for a "no-look" six off Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga, flicking a full delivery outside off-stump over deep midwicket. Sri Lanka had earlier posted 182 for eight in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s response was efficient, completing the chase with seven balls to spare. Khawaja Nafay also contributed to the closing stages of the innings, which saw Pakistan maintain a high run rate throughout the middle overs. Series standings and player records Sahibzada Farhan was named Player of the Match for his match-high 89, marking a successful start to his captaincy. The victory is timely as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) evaluates fresh talent in the T20 format following Sadaqat’s recent record-breaking performance where he hit 14 sixes in a single domestic fixture. The two teams will remain in Rawalpindi…