Pakistan produced a commanding batting performance to post 215-3 against Sri Lanka in the second T20 international at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Stadium on Sunday, with Maaz Sadqat and captain Sahibzada Farhan leading the charge.
Maaz narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 96 off 51 balls, while Farhan contributed a powerful 73 off 44 deliveries. Their performances put Pakistan in a strong position as they sought to extend their lead in the three-match series.
The pair shared an 88-run partnership for the second wicket off just 48 balls, accelerating Pakistan’s innings after an encouraging start from the opening batters.
Farhan continues impressive form
Farhan made the most of an early reprieve to deliver another impressive innings. Dropped on 12 after mistiming a shot into the air, the Pakistan captain went on to register his second consecutive half-century of the series.
He reached his fifty in 31 balls and finished with 73 from 44 deliveries, striking five sixes and four fours.
Farhan had earlier combined with Fakhar Zaman to give Pakistan a flying start, with the opening pair adding 55 runs from 35 balls.
Fakhar scored 22 off 17 deliveries, including four boundaries, before falling to Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana.
Maaz Sadqat misses century by four runs
Maaz emerged as Pakistan’s leading scorer, displaying aggressive stroke play throughout his innings.
The young batter brought up his second successive half-century in 30 balls before increasing the scoring rate against the Sri Lankan attack.
One of the highlights of his innings came against Theekshana, whom he struck for three sixes in an over that yielded 22 runs.
Maaz eventually scored 96 off 51 balls, smashing seven sixes and six fours. He was dismissed off the final delivery of the innings while attempting a big hit to complete his century, with a fielder taking the catch in the deep.
His innings proved crucial in helping Pakistan cross the 200-run mark.
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Hasan Nawaz provides late acceleration
Hasan Nawaz supported Maaz with an explosive contribution towards the end of the innings.
The pair added 72 runs for the third wicket, maintaining Pakistan’s momentum during the closing overs.
Hasan remained unbeaten on 19 from just nine balls, hitting one six and one four to help Pakistan finish at 215-3.
For Sri Lanka, Theekshana was the most expensive bowler, conceding 55 runs in his four overs while taking one wicket.
Eshan Malinga claimed 1-41, while Dasun Shanaka finished with figures of 1-30.
Pakistan make one change for second T20I
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first.
Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Salman Mirza in place of Razaullah, who had made his T20I debut at the same venue in the opening match.
Sri Lanka also made two changes to their lineup.
Pakistan entered the second match with a 1-0 lead after winning Friday’s opening T20I by four wickets, with seven balls remaining.
With 215 runs on the board, Pakistan set Sri Lanka a challenging target as the hosts looked to secure the series with another victory in Rawalpindi.
