Pakistan claimed a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 international, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.

After opting to bowl first, Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 128 all out in 19.2 overs. The visitors then chased down the 129-run target in 16.4 overs, losing four wickets.

Pakistan’s decision to field first proved effective as Sri Lanka’s top and middle order failed to build momentum.

Janith Liyanage top-scored for the hosts with 40 off 31 balls, while Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga contributed 18 runs each.

Kusal Mendis scored 14, while Pathum Nissanka and captain Dasun Shanaka added 12 runs apiece. Dhananjaya de Silva managed 10, as several Sri Lankan batsmen struggled, including openers Kamil Mishra and Dushmantha Chameera, who were dismissed without scoring.

Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed claiming three wickets each.

Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim picked up two wickets apiece to bowl Sri Lanka out before the full quota of overs.

At the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said his side was well balanced and capable of performing strongly across all departments.

The match also marked the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan to Pakistan’s T20 side after a long absence, adding depth to both batting and bowling.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara.

The second and third T20 matches are scheduled for January 9 and 11.

This series is seen as crucial preparation for upcoming international events, providing opportunities for both experienced and emerging players to showcase their skills.

Historically, Pakistan leads the head-to-head T20 record against Sri Lanka, winning 16 of the 27 matches between the sides. Pakistan enters the match with strong momentum, having lost only one of their last five T20s, coincidentally against Sri Lanka, while the hosts have won only two of their previous five.

Yesterday’s trophy unveiling set the stage for the series, with both captains posing for photos alongside the trophy.