Pakistan powered to an 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Rawalpindi, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series. Maaz Sadaqat fell four runs short of a maiden T20I century, while captain Sahibzada Farhan continued his impressive run at the top.

The hosts made 215 for 3, their highest T20I score on home soil. Sri Lanka finished on 133 for 7, unable to mount a serious challenge as Pakistan secured the series with a match remaining.

A commanding opening partnership

Sadaqat led Pakistan’s charge, striking 96 from 51 deliveries with six fours and seven sixes. He kept the bowlers under pressure from the outset and was dismissed off the last ball of the innings, just short of three figures.

Farhan contributed 73 from 44 balls, hitting four boundaries and five sixes. The captain followed his 89 in the first T20I with another fluent innings, giving Pakistan the early momentum they needed.

Pakistan accelerate after the powerplay

Pakistan were 55 for 1 after seven overs before lifting the scoring rate. Farhan and Sadaqat put on 88 for the second wicket in 49 balls, taking control of the contest.

Sadaqat then added 72 with Hasan Nawaz as Pakistan scored 156 in the final 12 overs. Their total of 215 for 3 proved too much for Sri Lanka.

Key batting figures

• Maaz Sadaqat: 96 from 51 balls, including six fours and seven sixes.

• Sahibzada Farhan: 73 from 44 balls, including four fours and five sixes.

• Pakistan: 215 for 3 in 20 overs.

• Sadaqat and Farhan: 88 runs from 49 balls.

• Pakistan’s final 12 overs: 156 runs.

Missed chances hurt Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s fielding errors gave Pakistan’s leading batters valuable chances to settle. Farhan was dropped twice and Sadaqat was also put down. Both made the most of those reprieves, turning a promising start into a defining partnership.

Once the pair found their timing, Sri Lanka struggled to stem the flow of runs. Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga claimed a wicket apiece, but the visitors could not maintain control as Pakistan repeatedly found the gaps and attacked the short boundaries.

Imran leads the bowling effort

Sri Lanka needed a strong start in their chase of 216, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly. Mohammad Imran was the standout, taking 3 for 11 in four overs. Salman Mirza added two wickets for 28 runs.

Maheesh Theekshana made an unbeaten 32, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe scored 29. Neither could build an innings big enough to change the match, and Sri Lanka ended on 133 for 7.

Pakistan claim the series

Pakistan’s win followed their four-wicket victory in the opening match, when Farhan scored 89 and Sadaqat made a rapid 50. The latest result was also Pakistan’s biggest T20I win over Sri Lanka.

With the series decided at 2-0, Tuesday’s third match gives Pakistan the chance to complete a clean sweep. Sadaqat has been a central figure, carrying confidence from back-to-back centuries in the Caribbean Premier League into the international series.

Signs of a settled side

Farhan’s batting has set the tone for a Pakistan team that looks increasingly assured under his leadership. Sadaqat’s attacking approach gives the top order another aggressive option, while Imran’s spell underlined the depth in Pakistan’s bowling attack.

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Match details

Final word

Pakistan’s aggressive batting and disciplined bowling proved decisive in Rawalpindi. Sadaqat’s 96 and Farhan’s 73 set up a formidable total, and Imran’s economical spell helped shut down the chase.

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Pakistan will look to finish the series 3-0. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will try to avoid a whitewash and close the tour with a stronger performance.