PAK vs SL: Shaheens Chase 128 as Shadab stars with bat and ball

COLOMBO: Shaheens gained a commanding victory after chasing 128 for four that the Lions earlier posted from 19.2 overs in the opening match of the PAK VS SL T20I Series. Shadab Khan was awarded with Player of the Match for his brilliant performance that he ensured with both bat and ball.

Pakistan batting Line

Batting second, Pakistan convincingly began their chasing innings, as Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub stepped in to play from the front at the crease.

The top-notch batters made a good start, with both Farhan and Saim scoring 51 (studded with 2 sixes and 4 boundaries) and 24 (featuring one six and three fours) each, respectively, before they were picked up.

When the Shaheens T20I Skipper Salman Ali Agha stepped in, he managed 16 off 11 balls before being downed, increasing the total up to 91. At this time, Pakistan needed 38 runs, yet was approaching victory in the opener.

Fakhar added 5 before being lost, while unbeaten Usman Khan and all-rounder Shadab Khan added 7 and 18 runs each, respectively, bringing the total up to 121. Thanks to the eight extras, of which Pakistan took advantage, claiming a convincing victory over the Lions.

Shadab Khan earned the Player of the Match award after picking up 2 wickets and making 18 runs.

Sri Lanka Batting Line

Pakistan began with a stronger blow at their opponents. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Misahara came in to bat well in the opening clash. However, both couldn’t make a good partnership, as the Shaheens pacers Mohammad Wasim Jr and Salaman Mirza picked both of them each respectively. Nissanka managed only 12 while Mishara went for a duck.

Following the top-order batters, there came in Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva to back their batting line. But the Green Shirts spinner Shadab Khan picked both of them. Each managed just 15-ball 14 and 10-ball 10, respectively.

Middle order Janith Liyanage was the only player who starred for his side, adding 40 off 31 balls to the Lions’ total. However, he, too, was being crushed by Abrar Ahmed.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka (12 off 9 balls) and Maheesh Theekshana jerked the total for a digit before being picked up by Salman Mirza and Wasim Jr.

Dushmantha Chameera went for a duck, while Wanindu Hasaranga managed only 18 off 12 balls.

Finally, the Shaheens’ opponents were able to post a modest 128-run total from 19.2 in the SL series opener.

Earlier, Pakistan elected to field first to crush their top order batters, which happened exactly in the very first PAK VS SL match.

The Pak vs SL series is taking place as part of the row. In November Last year, Pakistan hosted the Lions for a multi-format series that included three ODIs and three T20Is. Shaheen had won both the series, with the Salman Ali Agha-led team gaining a commanding victory over the Lions in both the ODIs and T2OI.

Tonight, both teams have a top-notch playing XI at the top, middle, and lower order.

Pakistan Playing XI

Shadab Khan, skipper Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Wasim Jr

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhanajaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Skipper Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dustmanth Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

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