Pakistani cricketers who recently shone in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) have once again demonstrated their class, guiding Pakistan to a commanding six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. Despite having to leave the BPL midway due to national duty, these returning stars ensured their impact was felt immediately on the international stage.
With less than a month remaining before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, this series effectively served as a crucial dress rehearsal for Pakistan. Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, Pakistan reached their goal with 20 balls to spare, losing just four wickets along the way.
The foundation for this comfortable win was laid during the powerplay. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Syed Saim Ayub, both of whom impressed in the BPL—Farhan for Rajshahi and Saim for Sylhet—brought their form to the international arena. Saim contributed a brisk 24 runs off 18 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed. Farhan, however, anchored the innings with an assertive 51 runs from 36 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure. The visitors were bowled out for 128 in just 19.2 overs. Opener Kamil Mishra fell without scoring, trapped by Salman Mirza of Dhaka Capitals. Pathum Nissanka, who managed 12 runs from 12 balls, was dismissed by Wasim. The early loss of both openers left Sri Lanka struggling, and despite some middle-order resistance from Janith Liyanage—who scored 40 off 31 balls—the team could not recover. Liyanage forged partnerships with Wanindu Hasaranga (18) and captain Dasun Shanaka (12), but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout.
Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each, while Shadab Khan claimed two. Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first, turning the game into a tactical exercise ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
This three-match T20 series not only tests both sides under competitive conditions but also allows Pakistan to fine-tune combinations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which begins on 7 February. Pakistan will open the tournament against the Netherlands, with all group-stage and Super Eight matches hosted in Sri Lanka. Should Pakistan advance to the semifinals or final, those matches will also be held in Sri Lanka.
Key Performances in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20
| Team | Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan | 51 | 36 | 4 | 2 | – | – |
| Pakistan | Syed Saim Ayub | 24 | 18 | 3 | 1 | – | – |
| Pakistan | Salman Mirza | – | – | – | – | 3 | 4.0 |
| Pakistan | Abrar Ahmed | – | – | – | – | 3 | 4.0 |
| Pakistan | Shadab Khan | – | – | – | – | 2 | 4.0 |
| Sri Lanka | Janith Liyanage | 40 | 31 | 4 | 0 | – | – |
| Sri Lanka | Wanindu Hasaranga | 18 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sri Lanka | Dasun Shanaka | 12 | – | – | – | – | – |
Pakistan’s blend of experienced T20 performers and in-form BPL stars appears well-timed, sending a strong message ahead of the global tournament.