Farhan's 89 gives Pakistan winning start against Sri Lanka

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets with seven balls remaining in the opening T20I in Rawalpindi on October 9. Sahibzada Farhan marked his first match as permanent captain with 89 runs.

Pakistan completed the pursuit of 183 at 187-6 in 18.5 overs. Farhan made 89 from 53 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. His 92-run second-wicket stand with Maaz Sadaqat provided the foundation for the victory.

Sadaqat registered his first T20I half-century, reaching 50 in 21 balls before finishing with 50 from 29. Fakhar Zaman had earlier contributed 21 from 13 balls and helped Farhan put on 54 for the first wicket.

Sri Lanka briefly regained a foothold after Maaz departed at 146-2. Hasan Nawaz made one and Saim Ayub eight as Pakistan slipped to 156-4. Farhan kept the chase moving and accelerated again in the 18th over.

The captain departed for 89 with Pakistan needing four more runs. Shadab Khan then fell without scoring, but Khawaja Nafay completed the win. He remained unbeaten on 12 from seven balls, including a six.

Sri Lanka chose to bat after winning the toss. Lahiru Udara made 91 from 55 balls, with 11 fours and a six. Following the early dismissals of Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara, he added 60 for the third wicket with Kamindu Mendis.

Kamindu contributed 23 and Dasun Shanaka 18. Udara survived on 77 when Abrar Ahmed misjudged a catch but finished nine short of a century, caught by Hasan off Naseem Shah at the end of the 19th over.

Naseem took three wickets for 36 runs in four overs. Debutant Mohammad Imran finished with two for 21. Razaullah claimed his first T20I wicket in the final over, while a Dushmantha Chameera boundary helped the visitors finish on 182-8.

Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Farhan and Sadaqat's attacking innings proved decisive despite Udara's effort and several late wickets in the hosts' chase.