Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second Twenty20 International (T20I) at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The victory gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one match still to play.
Young left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat delivered the standout performance with a blistering 96, while captain Sahibzada Farhan contributed an impressive 73. Their batting efforts helped Pakistan post 215/3 in 20 overs before the bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 133/7, completing a comprehensive series-clinching victory.
The result marked an encouraging start to Pakistan’s new-look T20I side under Farhan’s leadership and highlighted the impact of emerging players on the international stage.
Maaz Sadaqat’s Explosive 96 Powers Pakistan to 215/3
Pakistan’s batting lineup recovered strongly after a relatively cautious start to build a formidable total. The hosts finished their 20 overs at 215/3, recording their highest men’s T20I total on home soil.
Maaz Sadaqat was the central figure in the innings, narrowly missing out on a maiden T20I century. He scored 96 off 51 balls, striking six fours and seven sixes to maintain pressure on the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
The young batter combined clean hitting with effective placement, accelerating as the innings progressed. His ability to clear the boundary regularly helped Pakistan finish with a powerful total that placed Sri Lanka under significant pressure before the chase began.
Captain Sahibzada Farhan also played a crucial role, scoring 73 off 44 deliveries, including four fours and five sixes. After Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman for 22, Farhan and Maaz combined to rebuild the innings and launch an aggressive assault in the middle overs.
Their second-wicket partnership of 88 runs transformed Pakistan’s position and established the platform for a strong finish. Hasan Nawaz added an unbeaten 19, helping the hosts complete an imposing batting display.
Pakistan’s total of 215/3 reflected the side’s improved attacking intent and ability to accelerate during the latter stages of a T20 innings.
Muhammad Imran’s Three-Wicket Spell Derails Sri Lanka
Chasing 216 for victory, Sri Lanka needed an exceptional batting performance to stay in contention. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly, preventing the visitors from building the partnerships required to challenge the target.
Muhammad Imran Randhawa emerged as a key performer, finishing with figures of 3/11 in four overs. His economical spell placed Sri Lanka under pressure and earned him recognition for a disciplined performance in only his second T20I appearance.
Imran’s bowling was particularly effective in the middle overs, when Sri Lanka needed to accelerate the scoring rate. His wickets disrupted the visitors’ batting order and left them struggling to recover.
Salman Mirza also contributed with two wickets, while Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan claimed one apiece. The collective effort ensured that Sri Lanka never established a sustained partnership capable of bringing the required run rate under control.
Sri Lanka eventually finished on 133/7 in their allotted 20 overs, falling 82 runs short of the target.
Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe scored 29. Their contributions offered some resistance, but the visitors had already lost too many wickets to mount a realistic challenge.
Sahibzada Farhan Makes Winning Start as T20I Captain
The series victory represents an important milestone for Sahibzada Farhan, who is leading Pakistan in a bilateral T20I series for the first time. His performance with the bat has provided an encouraging start to his captaincy.
Farhan previously impressed during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he finished among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. His appointment signals a new chapter for Pakistan’s T20I team as the selectors look to develop a competitive combination.
Maaz Sadaqat has also emerged as a player to watch. After contributing a half-century in the opening match, he followed it with a match-defining 96 in the second T20I. His performances suggest that Pakistan’s younger players could become important contributors in the team’s future plans.
The bowling unit has also benefited from the emergence of Muhammad Imran Randhawa, whose disciplined performance against Sri Lanka demonstrated the value of taking opportunities at international level.
Together, these contributions have given Pakistan reasons for optimism as the side continues to develop its identity under new leadership.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: What Happens Next?
With Pakistan having secured an unassailable 2-0 advantage, the third T20I will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Although the series outcome has already been decided, the final match remains an opportunity for both teams to assess their combinations and build momentum for upcoming international assignments.
Pakistan will look to maintain its winning rhythm and give further opportunities to players who have impressed during the series. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to address its batting difficulties after failing to chase a challenging target in the second match.
For the visitors, improving their partnerships and handling Pakistan’s pace and spin options will be essential if they are to finish the series with a victory.
The second T20I has underlined Pakistan’s strength in both departments, with an explosive batting display followed by disciplined bowling proving decisive.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s 82-run victory over Sri Lanka secured the three-match T20I series with a 2-0 lead and showcased the potential of the team’s refreshed lineup. Maaz Sadaqat’s outstanding 96, Farhan’s fluent 73 and Muhammad Imran Randhawa’s three-wicket spell were central to the result.
With the series already secured, Pakistan will now turn its attention to the final T20I in Rawalpindi. Follow Howzzat for the latest Pakistan cricket news, match reports, player performances and international cricket updates.
