ISLAMABAD : Chasing a daunting victory target of 216 runs, Sri Lanka under severe pressure in T20 match against Pakistan after losing SIX top-order wickets in quick succession during the ongoing second T20I encounter.
Pakistan’s pace bowler Mohammad Imran Randhawa delivered a destructive opening spell, breaking the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting lineup by taking 3 crucial wickets.
Randhawa’s victims included Jayawardene, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis, and Aragchige.
Adding to Sri Lanka’s troubles, opening batsman Lahiru Udara—who had scored a brilliant 91 runs in the series opener—was dismissed early by Salman Ali Mirza for just 5 runs.
At the end of 11.5 overs, Sri Lanka was struggling at 76 for 6.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted an imposing total of 215 runs for 3 wickets in 20 overs.
Moaz Sadaqat anchored the innings with a blistering 96 off 51 balls, accompanied by captain Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive 73 off 44 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s 22.
With Pakistan already leading the series 1-0, the team remains in firm control while Sri Lanka under severe pressure in T20 match against Pakistan.
Technical Note: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Head-to-Head Records and Statistics
According to statistical records maintained by ESPN Cricinfo, Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a competitive rival history in the shortest format of international cricket.
Over the course of 23 T20I matches between the two subcontinental teams, Pakistan maintains a historical advantage with 13 victories, while Sri Lanka has secured 10 wins.
The fixture has produced remarkable individual batting and bowling milestones across both teams.
In terms of top run-scorers, veteran Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik leads the overall run chart with 397 runs, followed by Shahid Afridi with 331 runs and Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan with 323 runs. Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera holds the highest individual knock in this rivalry with 84 runs, followed closely by Oshada Fernando’s unbeaten 78* and Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s match-winning 77.
On the bowling front, Sri Lankan pace legend Lasith Malinga heads the bowling tally with 16 wickets, closely chased by Wanindu Hasaranga, Saeed Ajmal, and Shahid Afridi with 14 wickets each.
Furthermore, the finest single-innings bowling spells belong to Pakistani fast bowlers Umar Gul and Mohammad Amir, both taking 4 wickets for 13 runs against Sri Lankan lineups.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Sets Massive 216-Run Target for Sri Lanka in Second T20I
While Pakistan dominated early bilateral encounters, Sri Lanka has mounted significant comebacks in major events, including their victory in the 2022 Asia Cup final in Dubai.
