A blistering batting display from Maaz Sadaqat and captain Sahibzada Farhan propelled Pakistan to an emphatic 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 International at Rawalpindi. The decisive win gives the hosts an unassailable lead in the three-match contest with one game remaining. Repicturing their dominance from the series opener, the opening duo dismantled the opposition bowling attack to post an imposing 215 for three after choosing to bat first on Sunday.
Sadaqat produced a masterclass in power-hitting, smashing 96 off just 51 deliveries in an inning decorated with six boundaries and seven maximums. Falling tantalisingly short of a deserves hundred by just four runs, his explosive strokeplay set the tempo for the innings. Sahibzada Farhan provided formidable support at the other end, reaching his half-century off 31 balls before departing for a well-struck 73. Sri Lanka’s plight was compounded by a poor fielding display, as several dropped catches allowed the Pakistani batsmen to capitalize on early chances and accelerate through the middle overs.
Chasing an intimidating target of 216, Sri Lanka stumbled early under relentless pressure from the Pakistani pacers. The visitors managed a modest 35 runs for the loss of two wickets during the powerplay, a setback from which their middle order never truly recovered. Pacer Mohammad Imran delivered a match-winning spell, taking three key wickets while conceding just 11 runs to effectively dismantle the opposition’s batting line-up. Salman Mirza offered valuable support from the opposite end, claiming two wickets to keep the scoring in check.
Despite late resistance from Maheesh Theekshana, who top-scored for the visitors with 32, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who added 29, Sri Lanka’s chase stalled well short of the required rate. The team eventually finished their allotted 20 overs on 133 for seven. The two sides will return to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 13 October for the third and final T20 International.
