RAWALPINDI (Kashmir English): Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second T20 International, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series after a dominant batting performance led by Maaz Sadaqat.
Batting first, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 215 for three in 20 overs, with Sadaqat producing a stunning unbeaten knock of 96 runs off just 51 balls. His innings included six sixes and seven fours, at a strike rate of 188.24.
Sadaqat narrowly missed his maiden T20I century but played a decisive role in taking Pakistan beyond the 200-run mark. His aggressive batting put Sri Lanka under pressure and helped the hosts establish a formidable target.
Captain Sahibzada Farhan also contributed significantly, scoring 73 off 44 deliveries, including five sixes and four fours. Fakhar Zaman added 22 runs from 17 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 19 off nine deliveries.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga took one wicket each.
In reply, Sri Lanka struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were restricted to 133 for seven in their 20 overs, handing Pakistan a convincing 82-run victory.
Lahiru Udara top-scored with 35 runs, while Kamindu Mendis contributed 23. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Maheesh Theekshana scored 29 and 32 runs, respectively, but their efforts were insufficient to bring Sri Lanka back into the contest.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, preventing Sri Lanka from building the partnerships needed to chase the challenging target.
With this victory, Pakistan took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, with Sadaqat’s remarkable innings emerging as the standout performance of the match.
