Lahiru Udara smashed a blistering 91 off 55 balls to propel Sri Lanka to 182-8 against Pakistan in the first Twenty20 international at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Udara struck 11 fours and a six, anchoring the Sri Lankan innings after Pakistan made early inroads into the visitors’ batting line-up.
Pakistan, who elected to bowl after losing the toss, dismissed captain Kusal Mendis for one in the first over, with Naseem Shah providing the breakthrough. Mohammad Imran then removed Kamil Mishara for six as Sri Lanka slipped to 18-2 in the fourth over.
Udara steadied the innings alongside Kamindu Mendis, who scored 23 off 18 deliveries, including four boundaries. The pair helped Sri Lanka recover before Saim Ayub dismissed Kamindu to leave the visitors at 78-3.
Imran struck again to remove Sahan Arachchige for one, but Udara continued to attack, reaching his half-century off 32 balls.
Dasun Shanaka added momentum with 18 from 15 deliveries, including two sixes, as he shared a useful partnership with Udara to push Sri Lanka beyond 130.
Shanaka fell to Shadab Khan in the 16th over, but Udara kept the scoreboard moving despite wickets falling at the other end.
Naseem returned to dismiss Dunith Wellalage for five before claiming Udara’s wicket on the final ball of the 19th over, ending the opener’s outstanding innings at 91.
The dismissal came after Udara had survived a Pakistan review earlier in the innings.
Pakistan’s bowlers picked up wickets in the closing overs to restrict Sri Lanka’s late charge, although the visitors finished with a competitive total of 182.
Naseem led the Pakistan attack with three wickets for 36 runs from four overs, while Imran impressed on debut with two for 21. Shadab and Ayub claimed one wicket apiece, while Razaullah also took one.
Pakistan, earlier, handed debuts to Razaullah and Imran Randhawa as visitors Sri Lanka opted to bat first in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Both Razaullah and Imran Randhawa made their Test debuts against England at Edgbaston recently and are set to showcase their skills in the shorter format against Sri Lanka at home.
Razaullah is famous for his fast bowling and aggressive batting while Imran is a medium pacer and is also a very good batsman.
Sahibzada Farhan will lead the side for the first time. Farhan has replaced Agha Salman as Pakistan T20 captain.
Pakistan Playing XI
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
Kusal Mendis (c), Lahiru Udara †, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga