Pakistan’s rising batting star Maaz Sadaqat delivered a sensational performance against Sri Lanka, smashing 96 runs off just 51 deliveries to help Pakistan post their highest-ever men’s T20 International (T20I) total on home soil. The left-handed batter’s explosive innings powered the hosts to 215/3 in the second T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 11, 2026.
Captain Sahibzada Farhan also played a crucial role, scoring 73 off 44 balls as Pakistan produced a commanding batting display. Their contributions helped the hosts defeat Sri Lanka by 82 runs and secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The total of 215/3 surpassed Pakistan’s previous highest home T20I score of 208/3 against the West Indies in Karachi in 2021. It also became the team’s second-highest total in men’s T20I cricket overall, behind the 232/6 recorded against England in Nottingham in 2021.
Maaz Sadaqat’s Explosive 96 Leads Pakistan’s Batting Charge
Maaz Sadaqat was the standout performer of the innings, combining aggressive stroke play with impressive composure under pressure. Coming in after Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal for 22, the young left-hander immediately began building momentum alongside Farhan.
Sadaqat struck six fours and seven sixes during his 51-ball innings, scoring at a remarkable rate and putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under sustained pressure. His ability to find gaps and clear the boundary helped Pakistan accelerate through the middle and final overs.
The 21-year-old narrowly missed his maiden T20I century, falling for 96 on the final delivery of Pakistan’s innings. Although he missed the opportunity to reach three figures, his contribution proved decisive in establishing a formidable total.
His seven sixes also equalled the joint-most sixes struck by a Pakistan batter in a men’s T20I innings, highlighting the scale of his performance.
Sadaqat’s innings followed an encouraging half-century on his T20I debut in the opening match of the series. His back-to-back performances against Sri Lanka have strengthened his case as an emerging player to watch in Pakistan cricket.
Sahibzada Farhan’s 73 Builds a Match-Winning Partnership
While Sadaqat provided the fireworks, captain Sahibzada Farhan anchored Pakistan’s innings with another outstanding contribution.
Farhan scored 73 from 44 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and five sixes. His innings combined calculated aggression with effective placement, allowing Pakistan to recover and accelerate after losing their first wicket.
The partnership between Farhan and Sadaqat produced 88 runs off 49 balls for the second wicket. This stand changed the direction of the innings and gave Pakistan the platform needed to finish strongly.
Farhan continued his impressive run after scoring 89 in the first T20I, demonstrating consistency as Pakistan’s new T20I captain. His leadership and batting form have provided encouragement for a side undergoing changes in its international setup.
After Farhan departed in the 15th over, Sadaqat continued attacking alongside Hasan Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 19 from nine deliveries. Their late acceleration ensured Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark comfortably.
Pakistan scored 125 runs in the final ten overs, finishing at 215/3 after a powerful final phase.
Pakistan Set a New Home T20I Record
The innings established a significant milestone for Pakistan’s men’s T20I cricket.
Their 215/3 surpassed the previous home record of 208/3 against the West Indies in Karachi in December 2021. It also represented Pakistan’s highest T20I score against Sri Lanka, improving on their previous best of 212/8.
Pakistan’s 13 sixes in the innings equalled the second-highest number of sixes the team has struck in a single men’s T20I innings. The performance demonstrated the team’s growing ability to maintain an aggressive approach throughout the 20 overs.
The conditions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium provided the setting for a memorable batting display, with Sadaqat and Farhan taking advantage of scoring opportunities and consistently putting pressure on the opposition.
The record-breaking total ultimately proved too much for Sri Lanka, whose chase struggled to develop the partnerships required to challenge Pakistan’s score.
Muhammad Imran’s Three Wickets Complete Pakistan’s Dominance
Pakistan’s bowlers followed the batting performance with a disciplined display, restricting Sri Lanka to 133/7 in 20 overs.
Fast bowler Muhammad Imran Randhawa claimed three wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs, delivering one of the most economical spells of the match. Playing only his second T20I, Imran demonstrated control and composure at the international level.
Mohammad Salman Mirza supported him with two wickets, while Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan picked up one wicket each.
Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum throughout the chase. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe contributed 29, but their efforts could not bring the visitors close to the target.
The 82-run victory secured Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the series and confirmed their position as the winners with one match remaining.
What Maaz Sadaqat’s Performance Means for Pakistan
Sadaqat’s performances against Sri Lanka have offered an encouraging glimpse of Pakistan’s emerging batting talent. His ability to score quickly, attack different bowling options and maintain composure under pressure makes him an exciting prospect for the team’s future.
Combined with Farhan’s consistency and the bowling unit’s disciplined performance, Pakistan’s latest victory suggests that the new-look T20I side is beginning to establish a competitive combination.
The third and final T20I is scheduled for October 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the series already secured, Pakistan will have an opportunity to maintain their winning momentum and assess further combinations.
For cricket fans, Sadaqat’s near-century is likely to remain one of the defining moments of the series. Follow Howzzat for the latest Pakistan cricket news, player performances, match reports and international cricket updates.
