131/3 (15.3)
CR : 8.45
128/7 (20.0)
CR : 6.40
Pakistan won by 7 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Mohammad Nawaz
3/16
Mohammad Nawaz has been named as the 'Player of the Match'.
Mohammad Nawaz (Player of the Match): "Yeah, thank you. For me, control in bowling is everything. In conditions like these, if you miss your line and length even a little, the batters can put you away straightaway, so I just tried to stay disciplined and keep it tight.
About the variations, it depends a lot on the pitch. Today I focused on getting more revs and trying to bring the ball back in. When the surface is offering something, you’ve got to use it smartly and keep the batter guessing.
As an all-rounder, I’m really enjoying the responsibility. I want to contribute in whatever way the team needs, with the ball, the bat, or in the field. The focus for me is to stay calm, stay clear, and always give 100 percent.""
About the variations, it depends a lot on the pitch. Today I focused on getting more revs and trying to bring the ball back in. When the surface is offering something, you’ve got to use it smartly and keep the batter guessing.
As an all-rounder, I’m really enjoying the responsibility. I want to contribute in whatever way the team needs, with the ball, the bat, or in the field. The focus for me is to stay calm, stay clear, and always give 100 percent.""
Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka's Captain): "Absolutely. I must admit that we aren't a team who should be performing like this. We were bad. Looking forward to the other two games. The intent wasn't there and losing wickets in clusters has been a major concern. We need to work on that. I am sure that we are a better team than this."
Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan Skipper): "Yeah, thank you. It was a thumping win and a complete performance in all three departments. We bowled well, we fielded well, and we batted well, and that’s exactly the template we were looking for, and the boys executed it beautifully right from the start.
About Nawaz and Faheem, we’re blessed to have them. They’re proper all-rounders, as they bat like specialist batters and then give you four wicket-taking overs with the ball. It’s a luxury for any captain, and we’re using it well because that middle phase and wicket-taking ability is extremely important.
Speaking of bowling options, I’m really happy with our bench strength. We now have fast bowlers sitting out who can walk in any day and produce match-winning spells. Waseem Jr showed that again with the new ball today, and the way he’s progressing, he’s becoming a frontline bowler. Even for me, a couple of years ago, I was more of a backup bowler, but now I’m taking frontline responsibility. It’s a good problem to have when selecting the XI.
With the bat, we wanted to start strong in the Powerplay, and Farhan was sensational. If he stays three or four overs, he can take the game away from any team, and that’s exactly what he did tonight. I’m really happy for him, and as a group we want to keep starting well - both with bat and ball.
As far as the build-up to the World Cup goes, we’re getting very close to our perfect playing XI. Everyone we bring in is contributing, and the chemistry is coming together nicely. If we continue like this, we’ll be in a very good place for the big tournament."
About Nawaz and Faheem, we’re blessed to have them. They’re proper all-rounders, as they bat like specialist batters and then give you four wicket-taking overs with the ball. It’s a luxury for any captain, and we’re using it well because that middle phase and wicket-taking ability is extremely important.
Speaking of bowling options, I’m really happy with our bench strength. We now have fast bowlers sitting out who can walk in any day and produce match-winning spells. Waseem Jr showed that again with the new ball today, and the way he’s progressing, he’s becoming a frontline bowler. Even for me, a couple of years ago, I was more of a backup bowler, but now I’m taking frontline responsibility. It’s a good problem to have when selecting the XI.
With the bat, we wanted to start strong in the Powerplay, and Farhan was sensational. If he stays three or four overs, he can take the game away from any team, and that’s exactly what he did tonight. I’m really happy for him, and as a group we want to keep starting well - both with bat and ball.
As far as the build-up to the World Cup goes, we’re getting very close to our perfect playing XI. Everyone we bring in is contributing, and the chemistry is coming together nicely. If we continue like this, we’ll be in a very good place for the big tournament."
Most 50+ Knocks in 2025 in T20s:
15 - Karanbir Singh, Nicholas Pooran & Sahibzada Farhan*
14 - Jos Buttler
13 - Shai Hope
15 - Karanbir Singh, Nicholas Pooran & Sahibzada Farhan*
14 - Jos Buttler
13 - Shai Hope
Most Sixes Hit by a Batter in 2025 in the Shortest Format:
122 - Karanbir Singh
103 - Nicholas Pooran
102 - Sahibzada Farhan*
122 - Karanbir Singh
103 - Nicholas Pooran
102 - Sahibzada Farhan*
Highest Individual Score in T20Is for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka:
80* - Sahibzada Farhan, Rawalpindi, 2025, Tonight*
57 - Shoaib Malik, Johannesburg, 2007
80* - Sahibzada Farhan, Rawalpindi, 2025, Tonight*
57 - Shoaib Malik, Johannesburg, 2007
Most Sixes in a T20I Innings for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka:
5 - Sahibzada Farhan, Rawalpindi, 2025, Tonight*
4 - Shahid Afridi, Colombo, 2015
4 - Anwar Ali, Colombo, 2015
5 - Sahibzada Farhan, Rawalpindi, 2025, Tonight*
4 - Shahid Afridi, Colombo, 2015
4 - Anwar Ali, Colombo, 2015
Biggest Wins in Rawalpindi in T20Is (By balls remaining):
47 - Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2024
29 - Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 2020
28 - Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 2020
27 - Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2025, Tonight*
47 - Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2024
29 - Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 2020
28 - Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 2020
27 - Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2025, Tonight*
So that is it from myself, Karthik Raj, my co-commentator Dev as we wrap up the coverage of this fixture. A word of thanks to our scorer Ashok Dayma as well. Stay tuned and join us for a lot more cricketing action on Sunday!